How 2 Purchase a Judge, Or Look Like You Are Purchasing a Judge

Really interesting reporting here about CORPORATIONS paying for JUDGES to go to CONFERENCES with their DIRTY CORPORATE MONEY:

“Charles Geyh, an Indiana University law professor who specializes in judicial ethics, is skeptical that rulings are directly influenced by corporate sponsor of seminars, but noted, ‘in a cynic’s view that would smack of corruption.’

“’Even if it has no effect in terms of the decisions judges make, the perception of influence matters a great deal,’ he says. ‘It looks as if [corporations] are buying influence, even if it’s not true.’”

Call me a cynic:

“[ U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier’s] ruling in favor of the oil companies came two years after he attended the corporate conduct seminar, funded in part by ExxonMobil and the American Petroleum Institute, according to documents. The judge did not respond to requests for comment.”

Support The Billfold

The Billfold continues to exist thanks to support from our readers. Help us continue to do our work by making a monthly pledge on Patreon or a one-time-only contribution through PayPal.