EDITOR’S NOTE: This thread is now closed. As per my earlier warning, I will not allow comments on my site that resort to personal attacks or offensive language. It has become clear to me that a handful of folks insist on continuing to violate this policy. As a result, I will no longer accept comments on this post. You can read my official comment policy here.
Scranton is great, but New York is like Scranton on acid. No, on speed. Nah. On steroids.
- Michael Scott, The Office
The sleepy little town in the hills of Pennsylvania just got a hefty dose of publicity – the unwelcome kind. Known primarily as the fictional home Dunder Mifflin, the floundering paper company in NBC’s wildly popular (and one of my favorite shows) The Office, Scranton made national news, again, as the center of a judicial kickback scandal. Real life judges Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. and Michael T. Conahan made an appearance in Scranton’s federal court last week to plead guilty to wire fraud and income tax fraud in a scheme that has shocked the country. The two are accused of taking millions of dollars in financial kickbacks in exchange for sentencing teens to privately run youth detention centers. More than 5,000 teens were sentenced under Ciavarella during the scheme.
Under the plea agreement offered by Ciavarella and Conahan, each with serve 87 months in federal prison, a sentence that many believe isn’t long enough. Each has already been removed from their positions by the Pennsylvania Bar with a resulting loss of pension; they will be required to resign from the Pennsylvania bar.
Under the scheme, Conahan arranged contracts with two privately run detention centers to agree to accept the teens in exchange for kickbacks to the two judges; Ciavarella actually issued the sentencing to the teens. Payments for the contracts were made to a Florida company controlled by the two judges, to avoid suspicion. The source of the money was reportedly concealed as business expenses or rental payments.
The income, though gained illegally, was not reported properly on an income tax return and improper expenses were reportedly claimed for the years 2003 through 2006. According to the indictment (note that the link takes you to a pdf), the tax preparers for the judges were fed “material omissions and misclassifications” and have not been charged in the scandal. The plea agreement, which has not yet been accepted as filed, would not limit the IRS from collections activities in connection with the tax fraud.
The guilty pleas will perhaps mark an end to one of the most disturbing abuses of judicial power to surface in some time. An important part of our judicial system is a belief that the system works. Those who destroyed that belief have wronged more than those involved directly in the scheme: they have shattered the perception of a fair and just legal system. Hopefully, the families and courts of Luzerne County can find some peace with the understanding that those who broke that trust are being punished.
As for Ciavarella and Conahan? The two men, clearly hated (shouts of “Rot in hell!” resonated on the streets as they left the courthouse) remain free on bail until sentencing.
Image: Wikimedia, Creative Commons courtesy of Daniel Case
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“I am pleased to say that corruption has never been an issue in Australia. The Australian judiciary has a long tradition of complete integrity. There has never been a whiff of corruption associated with any judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in its 182 year history. The number of cases in which there have been elements of corruption in the judiciary anywhere in Australia, at any level, can be counted on the fingers of one hand. This is an important institutional strength which we maintain to this day.”
NSW Chief Judge Jim ‘Joke’ Spigelman
I am again truly sickened to read these lies and many other public statements Chief Justice Spigelman has knowingly falsely made. Spigelman’s organised corrupt actions have been aided by Australian politicians including Australian Prime Ministers, other Judges, the media, Australian Universities and many individuals.
I have been personally advised the NSW Premier and NSW Judges all know of Spigelmans corruption but remain silent and do nothing. Few know the extent of Spigelman’s corruption though. Spigelmans actions include the covering up of atrocities against humanity and his involvement and inclusion in the murdering of many innocent Australians. This information is YET TO BE RELEASED and coming soon.
ELECTION 2010? Looks like there’s no change. ‘Dark’ side is too powerful. Very concerning
I have never heard someone saying one nice word about Mr Spigelman. Anywhere, anytime, whoever, always the same; corruption, corruption and more corruption. What your government think ; how to solve this huge problem? On one side Spigelman is too powerful, on the other he had damaged Australian legal system permanently and in the process destroyed so many lives.. Hows that good for country – that man is gangster and the only court where his presence would be appropriate is HAGUE
Its going to be very difficult if Gillard remains in the office. She doesn’t have personality, nothing she stands for when it comes to the NSW disease. Very selfish young woman, she knows shes not good enough for the job yet she is there in front of people knowing shes not popular.
Dictatorship
Australian judge Spigelman is the only Chief judge in the world with the criminal history. I understand he wont go, but don’t understand NSW law society, state and the federal government.. He presents Australia, his decisions are published, so it appears that your country is very happy with his service otherwise he would be gone years ago. Don’t you have someone who is more suited, less corrupt, etc.. or Spigelman is the ‘role model’ for Australian Legal System?
Nobody takes Australia seriously as long as he’s there. And he is very different than an average Australian. He knew what he did was wrong, he knows how much damage he’s causing to his profession, he knows that judge without reputation isn’t judge, so the question is – Why he’s still there? Cant accept that he hates our country that much.
lying and deception is so rampant in NSW system of courts, that sworn court officers who have taken an oath not to lie, routinely lie without any fear of prosecution, because everyone in the judiciary feels they have a license to lie and deceive the public.
We cant believe that Gillard will winn. Independents cant be that blind, nor that corrupt. Its their country as well. Current Labor is not just the worst government in Australian history its the worst government world-wide. Economy cant be worst than it is. Corruption has taken over PM’s office. You do not have proper Law and Order. Cant be worse, I cant understand. Theres no $$$ in this world I would accept to let down my people. Norwey
The West is making the same mistakes like in Afghan- it’s not listening to people. Why the world supports NSW organized crime? Supporting corruption only increases corruption, having the opposite effect of what should be done. There are endless examples of corruption in Australia. The election last month is reportedly riddled with fraud. Oakeshott who was crucial in establishment of Gillard’s government were under the ICAC investigation a couple of years ago. Victims of crime are bankrupt, with nowhere to sleep because of corrupt judges. Faceless man’s mates, with expensive waterfront mansions are usually sacked – corrupt – government officials employable only in NSW. Next 3 years’s going to be very difficult.
When you need legal advice where would you go? NSW law society? I wouldnt. Cant understand that Mr Spigellman didnt know what he was doing. Or that he thought it will go forever? Also I cant understand the law society, NSW judges and NSW government. Cover for someone who has destroyed so much, cant stop and do the right thing, keeps selling justice to the wrong people and ignore the true victims? That man is not fit for the role of the NSW most senior judge
Now when entire Australia has lost right to vote and force to accept Mrs. Gilardd for a PM it looks like you have even bigger problems. Some of you will have the whole thing (followed by media attention) and some of you zilch (ignored by media). By definition it’s called racism. Someone mentioned Gilardd being a lawyer? If she is – is she OK with everything that ‘s going on in courts?
YES PM Gillard is a lawyer, and it seems like most Australian lawyers will do anything for money. PM Gillard has said her election promises are now of no importance and having been elected she is free to change them. Wanting ever more cash in her government coffers PM Gillard is now attempting to introduce a carbon tax. Her election promise was to never introduce such a tax.
PM Gillard has become like many other Australian public servants and politicians. She cares nothing about the consequences of her statements and actions. This effect on the public service and others can only be detrimental.
In this environment PM Gillard cares nothing about doing deals with corrupt judges and having a corrupt judiciary. The Australian Government and Judiciary have become equally corrupt. LAW in Australia in in another dark period.
“KILL the messenger” rather then seek legal remedies has become the LAW of current Australia. Chief Justice Spigelman has remained silent of late though his organised judicial corruption still reduces LAW in Australia to
worthless dirt.
Recent Australian Prime Ministers of differeing parties have all remained silent, accepted and in some instances used the services of Australia’s organised corrupt Judiciary to achieve their own illegal ends. PM Gillard is no different. Utilising the corrupt Judiciary has in turn become part of the Australian political system.
Dear Mr Sharpless, how very, very well said. Its not just that this judge s ruining lives of so many victims and their families but hes ruining Australian future and the name of (I believe) many of Australias good judges.
Dear Kellena, wouldnt agree with you at all. If Australia – indeed- ha& something better this corrupt judge Spigelman would be gone a long time ago
My country was/is in the same s..t. Corruption was exactly what ruined our lives. We didn’t act on time and it went for too long. The price was high. Clever people migrated anywhere they could. I blame Police because they had the biggest role and power. Unfortunately they were looking their own interests – not country’s. That was end of a decent life because police misconduct affects everybody. It erodes the public’s respect for the law, and thus directly contributes to a lawless environment. Corruption is living Hell
I dont know much about Australian politics but your former PM John Howard is responsible for not investigating NSW corruption, educational concerns and courts performance during his 11 long years as prime minister
I believe that he did more damage to NSW citizens than any other politicians
I wonder does he understand that?
Judicial corruption is damaging because it means that the people who are passing and enforcing laws are the ones who are breaking them. If you’re being framed by the judge, who are you going to ‘ring’ for help: the judge?
But Australia is phenomenom, Police is coorupt, hovernment is corrupt, educational institutions are corrupt, federal government is corrupt… PM is corrupt. If I’m you I would move overseas. Where? Anywhere
Its obvious that your judge has no clue about the role of a real judge. I’ve been coming here for some time and all the time complains, complains.. Did anyone ever thought that you ask for something he is not capable to deliver?
F A C E I T, NSW your judge is not good enough. However if the law society don’t complain about him, what that telling us? He must be good for the system. Lest face it, compo is better spent by judges and NSW Government than by victim of crime.
U R very wrong Ionna, For some reason Spigelman is the most powerful law-breaker in the human memory. He is rootless, he steal, abuse, defame, interferer with the natural legal process, has no regard for Australian reputation.. and he doesn’t care either. In the same time he is the Chief Judge! I think its a very smart situation. Theres no length of what he’s capable to do. Whatever happen as a result of his ‘order’ nobody would take any responsibility. Every conflict leads to court and when there – he is waiting. I do not think that NSW Government is happy with him. He is joke, nothing else. I think they cant move him.
If former PM lost an election because he couldn’t fix NSW (read Spigelman) theres nobody else who can do it. Whats the most interesting of all is his choice of NSW government (I believe he is involved in that too) Everyone who breached the law is promoted and immediately becomes Spigelman’s best friend. He is surrounded by people like him who would be in jail if he didn’t help out. They are safe as long as he’s there. Very smart. He really operates like modern day mafia Why nobody took all of this seriously, I’ll never understand
Its really bad when entire Government is corrupt. Theres nobody to turn to. My thoughts are with all those victims of crime who are left with only one choice – judge Spigelman. Poor people, that man is responsible for everything that happened in NSW. If he decide the side who defame will pay fortune to the ‘other side’ who’s innocent.
In the same time he is free to do the same and he thinks its OK to ignore the victim of his wrongdoing? Whats gonna be? Will he destroy Australia or Australia will remove him.? You don’t have too much time for thinking through…
The worst thing is not having an option. You have nowhere else to go If Chief Judge is corrupt (like in NSW) nobody’s willing to go against him. I really, really think that only solution is THE brand new legal system. I know its fantasy but that might fix things. Corruption went for so long and is so deep into the fiber of NSW Government, I have no idea how or who can do anything for any of you. But one thing is absolutely obvious – Spigelman should go. He should resign and vanish in history. Poland
with who-ever I talked to, nobody ever heard something like this.. No matter what country, no matter what government, Judge accused of half of what NSW Chief Judge is would be stripped of all ‘responsibility’ and sent on a long holliday. But I do not blame Mr Spigellman, he is what he is (and he makes the most of it) but the NSW Law Ass, NSW Premier… and yes, the PM and his Cabinet? If they know about this… and they know, to do nothing? They are worse than Spigellman.
Dear Namesis from Bulgary i do blame Chief Justice Spigelman. He has continually abused his judicial power, colluding and enabling many other judges in NSW to be corrupt in their dealings. He has damaged LAW in Australia and the names of good judges with him. He has achieved this with the knowledge many Australian politicians have engaged in corrupt acts and had these actions concealed and silenced. Sometimes with the Judicial help of Chief Justice Spigelman.
While a good Chief Justice would have stamped out the lawlessness and evil injustices Chief Justice Spigelman has used his long term position for his own financial advantage and to obtain more power. This has included becoming Lieutenant Govenor General of NSW.
RE “i do blame Chief Justice Spigelman..Paul Sharpless”
I dont. Your government does nothing to stop this man? When you don’t punish law-brakers you encourage them to do more crime. Fact! and as old saying goes “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” . What his friends @ the highest jobs are doing about this? Nothing! Because he steals for them too. Why the NSW Premier remains silent? Does she’s doing that for free? Would anyone cover crime and corruption for free? Just answer those questions and you will see things more clearly
Spigelman is often described as one of world’s most callous judges, who is so arrogant, dismissive and cold blooded. He is always ready to rule against victim of crime in favor of the wealthy corporation. This is a serious pattern with Spigelman, meaning the average person will not get justice in his courtroom. He is totally out of touch with people. He is modern day Hitler
He’s trying hard to get rid off this image, for the last 12 months he’s giving compo to everyone… just turn to supreme court, even like a visitor, the dude will compensate you. Bring a pet, Spigelman will compensate pet too. Ah, what a justice. The dude is done, buried and cremated. Cant wait to see his back… NSW cant move forward as long as our courts abuse, discriminate and steal, employ gangsters and act corruptly. Trust me; been there, seen that. Scott
WARNING: I have now had to move several comments to trash which were in direct violation of my comment policy. Read it here: http://www.taxgirl.com/official-comment-policy/
This discussion MUST remain civil with no slurs (racial, ethnic or otherwise), attacks or other offensive behavior or I will be forced to shut it down. Please don’t make me.
I commenced this discussion on Taxgirl with the intention of alerting people to the Judicial corruption organised by Chief Justice Spigelman of the NSW Supreme Court. Unfortunately Chief Justice Spigelman has positioned himself solidly in politics and organised corrupt deals with Australian politicians and others.
LAW in NSW and Australia has been greatly and forever damaged by his actions. All people and institutions including Australian prime ministers with power to address judicial corruption have remained silent, or in the case of the NSW Judicial Commission have protected Chief Justice Spigelman and other judges.
I can truly tell you Chief Justice Spigelman, members of the Australian Judiciary and politicians are aware of the Taxgirl site and other blogs concerning his and other judicial corruption in Australia. I have been told this by people assisting both NSW Politicians and Judges.
This Taxgirl site is critically important in spreading information.
I appreciate Chief Justice Spigelman and his cohorts through their actions have created many victims. I have been one of them and i have spoken to many others. Some victims have taken their own lives.
Scotts comments (his full name and identity not provided ) have only insensed many victims. I know Scott’s comments greatly angered me. Saying Chief Justice Spigelman now compensates pets (read animals and the inference of victims as animals) was very unsettling. Particularly as this is not correct. I understand why people wrote comments and resorted to racial, ethnic and other slurs.
I also understand Chief Justice Spigelman and his corrupt cohorts are clever enough to write or continue to write comments requiring the ending of this site for their own benefit. Hopefully Taxgirl will be able to identify this when and if it happens.
I do ask that Scott identify himself or herself.
I realise thousands of people in Australian and NSW have been affected by Chief Justice Spigelmans corrupt actions. I realise he has ruined the lives of many people. The Truth will win out.
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