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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← Previous Comments
Huh, dear Paul, NSW neds forensics investigation into Chief s legal
‘decisions’ I woudnt turn my back to that man, nor have any dealings with him Having said that; to have just HIM for the Chief judge gave me shivers
Dear leleey
Thankyou for your comment. Unfortunately PM Kevin Rudd, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and government remain silent concerning organised Judicial corruption. That the Chief Justice of the NSW supreme court J J Spigelman is involved perverting the course of justice involving multiple unsolved murders in most civilised countries would warrant an investigation. Here in Australia – nothing.
In deed the University of Sydney chose to confer an Honary Doctor of Laws on J J Spigelman and the Australian government has given him a Companion of the Order of Australia. Corruption is rewarded in Australia and bullying is common place.
Chief Justice Spigelman has sold judgements for profit and reward. Justice can be bought. The Australian Legal system is based on who you are ……. not what you have illegally done. Australia is a bigoted homophobic and racist country.
Thankyou greatly leleey for your comments and the comments of all people so far. It seems it will take an avalanche of comments for the Australian and NSW government to do anything.
If you are reading this i urge you to make a comment. Your input could be the very comment to make a change and bring the wall of injustice down.
Many thanks
Paul Sharpless
When the NSW Chief Justice of the Supreme Court J J Spigelman is seen as a complete criminal and suggestions made he should be jailed for life by overseas observers further questions can only be asked …………. why is J J Spigelman allowed to continue serving on the NSW Supreme court.
.
It is really sad, but whenever someone talk about AU courts it always finishes with some joke, like nobody take AU law seriouly. If in my country I would be concern.
We ARE the laughing stock, yes everyone knows. You can do what ever you want and Spigo will ‘fix’ the crime. You have to be his mate though, like Einfild or judge Shaw… Shaw didnt face an charges, despite publicity. NSW legal mafija think it’s funny. I think it’s terrifying!
Dear Paul
NSW Labor Govt can take the full responsibility for the colapse of NSW state Than how is possible that the same people are in control of entire country?
Also, why a defense lawyers are appointed to the bench? I have never heard of such policy. Are people aware that doing that has corrupted the judicial system. Jury is the only hope when judges are corrupt. Who can now protect victims of crime If PM protects criminal-judges, he’s going to do that again and again. Brazil
dolphe-alouise
Denmark,
Astralia….shame on you..i have changed my opinion of your country.
Not coming
Dear Paul, you are doing a great work. If I’m you I would fight till my last breath . This might not be a great releif but Here in Oslo our ‘gang’ of newly graduate lawyers will brought up this crime to our PM. I dont promise anything but we’ll do what we can. Keep up the great work. Yes… in the end, I feel so imberass to be in the same profession as NSW Chief Spigelman.
I have written a new blog concerning more corrupt actions of Chief Justice Spigelman. It is available at diokillers.blogspot.com
Chief Justice Spigelman and Justice Brereton have covered up the reasons for the killing of Australian intelligence employee Merv Jenkins.
I recently questioned how far do i have to go destroying the reputation of Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme court, Chief Justice Spigelman and other judges before somebody thinks something should be done in Australia to correct the corruption in the NSW Judiciary.
PM Rudd remains silent.
Unfortunately allot more information can be provided.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
The most important issue in judicial system is a belief that the system is just. Judges who destroyed that belief have destroyed the perception of a just legal system. To live in the same comunity with those who broke that trust is punishement itself. I just feel sorry for NSW citizens
RE – killing of Merv Jenkins.
……and after ALL of this judge Spigelman still holds position of NSW Chief Judge? … Your Government is upside down.
TASMANIA, congratulation
Chief Justice Spigelman and Justice Brereton pervert justice,cover up the reasons for the killing of Australian Intelligence employee Merv Jenkins AND STILL hear cases in the NSW Supreme court.
Seeking Justice is expensive and impossible in these circumstances.
Unfortunately there is still much more information to reveal concerning the illegality and perverting of justice by Chief Justice Spigelman.
I can say with complete honesty the worst concerning Spigelman is still to be revealed. It will be revealed. Chief Justice Spigelman’s actions show total disregard for humanity. Please join me in my blogs at corrupt judges – Australia and continue to read Taxgirl.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
About judge Spigelman.. If this is what public knows, dare to say; how much is there that dude’s dont know? His CV is the same as CV of someone whos in jail for life And, here you go, just that person is the NSW Chief Judge? But thats not all.. he mess-it-up sooo badly now hes giving everyone compos in n effort to by the next election. Considering how deep-thinking Mr Rudd is your country’s spiraling further into corruption. Only outsider, the greater military power can stop this, nothing else. Individuals who try to protect own families will finish like that poor guy McGurk . huh
did you know that for the las 2 years, the travel agencies are instructed to warn travelers about NSW political instability? @ this point wouldnt go further, but as far as I’m aware in a year or two AU government will notice some changes.
A lot of things make sense now, Paul if I’m you I would seek protection and assistance from UK’s interpol Have to say; your police’s in difficult position Trained to protect law & order and in the same time they shield judge Spigelman’s unlawful action Nobody dare s to question Chief Judge so his power is unlimited He’ll do everything to keep it that way. Everything
Dear Dashel
History has repeated itself and Spigelman is not the first totally corrupt Australian Chief Justice. Others have been writteen about.
Thankyou for your comment Dashel and i will contact UK interpol. Australian police are in an impossible position.
Thankyou for your concerns about my protection. It is unfortunate many influential people swarm to Chief justice Spigelman like bees around a honey pot. It seems there is a great deal of wealth to be had from judicial corruption. The list of bees keeps growing. Now Vice Chancellor of Sydney University Dr Michael Spence has aided corrupt Spigelman.
I will keep the blogs coming and there is more information in the pipeline.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
RE; “I would seek protection ”
Dear Mr Sharpless, it is not just Dashel whos concern about Australians and their safety, honestly here in Florida this website http://new.home.tripod.com ‘s the ‘talk of the town’ for the last 2 years, now when we add you incredible story I have to say, we didnt have a clue about Australian politics, Australian people and how much they suffer in the hands of NSW Government. We are concern for all of you. The future that todays world leaders build exclude corruption and abuse of minorities. I can say honestly with Obama USA ‘s heading the way to a just and fair society. If Russia w’r able to get rid of Communist’s I dont see any reason why Australia cant get rid of one very corrupt judge. That man did more damage to Australian reputation than anyone else. The core of the matter; it is really NOT about you, Vanessa and probably many more people who are suffering… the issue is far bigger and far more dangerous… Its about Australia, and how your country ‘can fit’ with the rest of the wold. Judge Spigelman can play te games with australins like you and rest of the crime-victims but he is not match to Obama, Brown, Sarkozy, and the rest of the ‘heavylifters’ He is on one-man-mission, against the entire human race. U can trust me, I migrated from Russia 7 years ago with my 4 daughters. I can say honesty that if Russia w’re able to move forward – everything is posible. And YES – ask UK for protection, asylum status or any status because corrupt judge will strike-back. Please take care. Gregory Jurashnew, FLORIDA, USA
Salute goes to every decent and brave citizen who reports serious misconduct of judges. As a consumer we have a special responsibility for the quality of justice. NO complains – NO improvement. Judicial independence? In jeopardy? In every country that might be the case, but in Sydney you have nothing to gamble with – NSW judiciary is corrupt from the root. And in an unhealthy relationship with politics. If you really want judicial independence (like rest of the world) corrupt judge should be sacked; there’s nothing else to do. Mr Sharpless, if I could suggest, please contact UK police and instruct everyone else whos in your situation to do the same. I wouldnt trust Chief Judge
Looks like the Chief Judge cant accept reality. It’s going to be a huge challenge; he is about to face reality and that is; money can’t buy everything. Considering that the money is everything to him, his world is about to collapse. Rest of the year’s going to be interesting.. And we will be back to see whats happening down under…
Liechtenstein
Your governmet is strange; criminals are taken care of, corruption guarded by police, smart people are abused and their family destroyed, victims has the same rights as black people in my country 50 years ago… law & order is something as alien as it can be.. Choice of the PM is very much ‘judicial issue’ and judicial issue is in hands of the most corrupt man that ever walked on this earth.. I say move to another country
Durban
There are few very insighful coments about the role of a judge but have trouble to find it Looks like it is removed. WHY? Mr Sharpless did you remove it
No comments have been deleted unless they violated the comment policy: http://www.taxgirl.com/official-comment-policy/
To Mystery2me
I have not removed any information from this website. Nor have any comments or information been removed.
I will continue to write honest information on this website.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
How to fix all of this when the fixer’s are one who need to be fixed?
theres justice higher than the man, Judge Spigelman will be judged by him
Dear Gregory Jurashnew, FLORIDA, USA
Thankyou for your concern and i am glad to hear your 4 daughters and yourself have made a good new life in the USA.
I agree totally with your observations. Core issues in Australia are not being addressed. The Australian government is inept.
Our governments inaction against corrupt Judges like Chief Justice Spigelman, Justice Brereton and Justice Hamilton display a very bad picture to the rest of the world.
The amount of corruption in Australia is equivalent to the amount of corruption in Afghanistan. I am not kidding.
The extent of government corruption in Australia has become very evident to Asians living in Australia. Asia is our major trading country and this is the message Asians are sending back to their relatives.
Thankyou again Gregory for your concern and comment. I will continue to blog. I have much more to say.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
I hope that the MEDIA wont regret decision to remain silent. I hope for the sake of all of you
One consequence of the growing emphasis on fostering confidence in the courts is that a number of countries are adopting legislation requiring judges and other court personnel to disclose their assets and income. Would be interesing to hear NSW Chief Judge response towards this new policy. Nobody in the legal circle fight that much for Judicial Independence like NSW Chief Judge. Everywhere this independence comes naturally because citizens believe in the court and order. Our judges do not need to ‘fight’ We trust them. Judge Spigelman will die fighting because people dont trust him. He should be force to resign, than brough infront of the judge and jury.
I think the biggest problem in NSW is a corrupt media. Judge knows he has media support so his crimes are hidden As long as the media cover for the corrupt legal system all of youare at risk. Some of you might heard about this;
In the early 1980s an investigation into corruption in the courts of Cook County, Illinois, where the city of Chicago is located, led to the conviction of over 100 lawyers, clerks, and judges for accepting or offering bribes or otherwise corrupting the judicial process. It was HUGE investigation to cleanse the courts of corruption. But we did it thank to the media.
Dear Di Why
The Australian Media still remain completely silkent concerning the organised Judicial corruption by Chief justice J J Spigelman that has enabled Australian Defence to cover-up their massive fraud of taxpayers money. Billions are involved. PM Kevin Rudd remains silent concerning the abuse and theft of so much public money. BUT WHY ? ? ?
As stated in the NSW Supreme court Commander Paul McKibbin was a senior in the Defence Materiel Organisation as well as Deputy director of an Australian intelligence agency. McKibbin has discussed the massive fraud and profited from it. Justice is for sale in NSW. Ask Chief justice Spigelman, Justice Brereton and Justice Hamilton.
Australian MEDIA can only regret refusing to tell the Australian public what the rest of the world already knows and talks about.
To Paul Adenberg
Thankyou for your information that highlights why the Judiciary gets away with murder, ACTUALLY, in Australia. The Australian Media is equally corrupt.
The Australian judicial system is incapable of dealing with complicated corruption and justice issues because of the entrenched corruption in Australian politics, media and judiciary.
Chief Justice J J Spigelman was for a time head of Government media in Australia. He is a political appointment to assist hide corruption.
Judicial decisions are base3d on who you are in Australia. I have spoken to clerks in the NSW Supreme court and all have said there is allot of corruption and they are not surprised by what i have written.
I have written the truth in all my blogs as a result of much research and my personnal experiences. No onbe has said i am wrong about anything i have stated.
The legal fraternity is able to buy judgements for their clients. This is organised by Chief J J Spigelman.
The Australian taxation department has done nothing to investigate any of this fraud. They have only assisted criminals.
Judicial corruption certanly exist in every country and every society from time to time. It udermines the rule of law and saying that judicial body knows excatly how much damage has been done and how hard is to gain peoples trust.. The hardest part is how to solve this problem WITHOUT undermining the rule of law. And that is sooooo hard. The rule of law shouldnt be weaken, lets face it the law is the law… And thats the problem. Its a challenge to all governments to eradicate judicial corruption without intruding on the independence of judiciary. What I see; NSW suffer from chronic judicial corruption with the roots so deep…. it will go with a big BANG. Considering that the most corrupt judge is the Chief Judge Spigelman (shocking!!!) the only way is to convince judge to do the honorable act and resign. He would save the court as well as d reputation of NSW. Thats the only option, nothing else would save already damaged NSW legal reputation – About the Judge? He cant do much for his own but should do for the country that put so much trust in the (obvious) wrong hands.
‘retired judge’ from NSEB.
Dear Mr Edinem
I completely agree with your point of view, but to give up the top job and all the power that goes with it…? Hmm. It will not go easy However I am surprised that Australian Government is so powerless This is not about one judge anymore this is about the world reputation and being able to fit with the rest of the wold. I am surprised that (considering all of this being public for so long) the rest of the world leaders are silent. You cant sent troops to Afghan and Iraq than pretend the same things is not happening in Australia. Thats what I found fascinating.
What justice puts a family; or anyone at risk of abuse? Your PM (‘nice or not’) than the state government (‘capable or not) inability to stand up for the rights of its own citizens shows that neither are fit to lead this country.
Dear Stahler Edinem
You are truly correct in saying the hardest part is knowing how to solve the problem when organised Judicial corruption occurs as it has with Chief Justice J J Spigelman in NSW and Australia.
Spigelman has not only affected the Judiciary, and therefore law, but also the Government of Australia. PM Kevin Rudd remains solid in his stance of keeping Spigelman.
Unfortunately, Spigelman has recently given a speech at the the University of NSW on the subject of violence against women. His speech is akin to Hitler making a speech against mass murder. Spigelman is an opportunistic predator. He has destroyed many women using violence.
The Australian Media have all given greater voice to Spigelman’s speech. Their actions are totally disgusting. I have spoken to many members of the Australian Press and it would seem an embargo or total silence exists barring members of the Australian press from reporting on corrupt Judges.
I agree with you, NSW is a time bomb. The extent of corruption is ever increasing affecting both political parties and combined with organised judicial corruption, law has ceased to exist. Unfortunately the PM is not intervening. PM Kevin Rudd is unable too as he is caught in the judicial corruption himself. His hands are tied.
In the circumstances Australia is paralysed. Interestingly i have spoken to some chinese people who have made their home in Australia. Some of them moved here ten years ago and they now have young children. Most often two. They do not see themselves remaining in Australia though. The opportunities for their children is their main concern and they see Australia falling behind and increasingly corrupt. They see this coming from China. They do not like what they see. I do not like what i see and have experienced.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
Judicial corruption in Sydney? I think it started with the first court being established 250 years ago and it continues. Its surprize that the NSW court exist at all. It would be far easier to take justice into own hands, at least you would fight ‘one side’ with 50 / 50 chance. When in court you fight; lawyer (yours and defendants) legal system, NSW Government, and complete judiciary. Theres no law and order like in Sydney. Despite the fact that law now grandiloquently proclaims that truth is a complete defence to criminal contempt: as famously said “The Truth is Stand Alone Deffence” yet when our Honorable commit the crime, the Press and the whole lot of information- seeking agencies are tight-lipped. They have no idea why are they silent but no one dares to come out with the truth. If you try to do it on your own… going against a corrupt judge, no newspaper will publish it. You can hit media with the sea of evidence and as much as you wish they will still not publish it. If you ask press why is that; he wouldnt have a clue why he cant publish what everyone knows… The worst thing in Sydney is that Judiciary tends to stick together when anyone speaks of any wrongdoing amongst one of them, even though they know its the truth. They act as some secretive religious group. Church of Scientology is child-play when you compare with judicial secrecy. Everywhere in the world the courts work hard to maintane a fair and open hearing except in Sydney. How many families are let-down by ‘honorable’ betrayal and how many children are out there traumatized … its hard to know. Thats from me…Regards, former Plaintiff honorably ripped off .
Judicial corruption in Sydney? I think it started with the first court being established 250 years ago and it continues. Its surprize that the NSW court exist at all. It would be far easier to take justice into own hands, at least you would fight ‘one side’ with 50 / 50 chance. When in court you fight; lawyer (yours and defendants) legal system, NSW Government, and complete judiciary. Theres no law and order like in Sydney. Despite the fact that law now grandiloquently proclaims that truth is a complete defence to criminal contempt: as famously said “The Truth is Stand Alone Deffence” yet when our Honorable commit the crime, the Press and the whole lot of information- seeking agencies are tight-lipped. They have no idea why are they silent but no one dares to come out with the truth. If you try to do it on your own… going against a corrupt judge, no newspaper will publish it. You can hit media with the sea of evidence and as much as you wish they will still not publish it. If you ask press why is that; he wouldnt have a clue why he cant publish what everyone knows… The worst thing in Sydney is that Judiciary tends to stick together when anyone speaks of any wrongdoing amongst one of them, even though they know its the truth. They act as some secretive religious group. Church of Scientology is child-play when you compare with judicial secrecy. Everywhere in the world the courts work hard to maintane a fair and open hearing except in Sydney. How many families are let-down by ‘honorable’ betrayal and how many children are out there traumatized … its hard to know. Thats from me…Regards, former Plaintiff honorably ripped off .
Judge Spigelman didnt deserve to be Judge, let alone the Chief Judge.
What society can trust someone like him with the law & order? Australia
wake up before a reality hits you ‘hard’
Japan
Dear Somewhere in Sydney AND Germany
Thankyou for your comment. Reading your words i can appreciate and understand it took allot of courage for to to write what you did. I most sincerely hope you have a group of people arround you who are assisting you. I also know at times this is impossible or feels impossible. Certainly if you are alone working through your wounds please contact me immediately.
I am here to help.
Having spoken to many people affected by the organised Judicial corruption of Chief J J Spigelman and other judges in NSW it is EVIL crime at it’s worst. Human beings are perhaps their most cruel and savage when inflicting pain misery and death on other human beings.
While the Australian Media remain silent concerning the greatest travesty of injustice to beset Australians, other forms of communication such as twitter, face book, google and blogs to name a few offer alternatives able to reach far more people worldwide. Using these resources i am not alone and nor are you.
Please remember, “it is better to have tried, tried and failed then to have never tried at all.” The phrase is so true.
I am aware corrupt Judges are nothing new in NSW. I urge you and others who have suffered as a result of Judicial corruption to voice your problems and injustices on these blogs and others. I urge you to overcome your fears and talk about your horrors.
Yes they are horrors. I understand what you have been through, what you are going through and the constant pain inflicted. I ask you all not to remain silent.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
It is shame that our sons, brothers and husbands are sent around the world to help and support the ‘freedom of speech’ ‘democracy’ and improve standards in 3rd world corrupt countries. It is shame that now when WE need helping hand; there is no aid, support nor any actions from USA and UK (that I stupidly thought would be first to help)
This link is highly recomended, it is not just Australia its America as well
This link will lead you to Jim Joke Spigelman’s funniest statement. God we love this judge
I CAN ONLY AGREE WITH THIS, WELL SAID
<>
This is the worst corruption-state-country I have seen, and I have seen a lot.
Every agency, politicians, PM cabinet, past and present PM’s.. judges, lawyers, educational institutions… Everyone’s involved.
Incredible!
Regards, Copenhagen
Thankyou Maria Sharp and everyone else for their comments.
It is true. Since 1990 i have experienced, investigated and witnessed first hand the corruption and cover-ups of public servants, heads of departments, politicians and members of the judiciary including Supreme court Chief justice J J Spigelman. All of this over a twenty year period. The result has been the same regardless of which political party is in power. I have written to them all and to the opposition parties as well.
Maria Sharp of Copenhagen states it correctly “this is the worst corruption-state-country i have seen and i have seen alot. Every agency, politicians, PM cabinet, past and present PM’s.. judges, lawyers, educational institutions…. Everyone’s involved. ”
It was completly disappointing to find the Australian Legal and Judicial systems are corrupt and deals are able to be done. Justice can be bought.
Judges in Australia are drawn from a small population. Often the solicitors and barristers are close friends of the Judges they appear before. The justice system in NSW has been eroded completely by Chief Justice Spigelman’s corrupt actions.
One possible solution to end this friendly corrupt collusion would be to import all judges from oversees. Given the extent of corruption in NSW this seems the only way to end the erosion of democracy and legal standards in Australia.
I would welcome hearing of other possible solutions. It seems the current problems are unable to be solved internally.
Australian politicians have gone to great trouble to isolate Australians from access to legal redress internationally. Australians do not have a bill of rights. The government pays little attention to statements by the United Nations. If it did refugees, aboriginals and other disempowered individuals would have access to rights.
I therefore welcome your suggestions as to how Australians can overcome the government and judicial corruption.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
RE
Dear Mr. Sharpless Exactly that is the biggest problem Australians are faced with. Geographical Isolation had given an opportunity to PM’s like Howard to allow all of this to happen. With the great distress I have read all those comments and I am taken aback by suffering off all those involved. Considering colossal crime and corruption, the only way is to have a International pro bono available to every citizen in Australia. I have to say that crime of this grandiosity I haven’t seen before. Only people who live there all their lives can put up with that, because they don’t know any better. But to expect from an educate people (like you) or clever and educate migrants like Mrs Samudich to accept the crime as the norm.. Well that’s a little bit unrealistic. Only advice is to not give up, simply because you have nothing to lost. Political parties, judges and police took everything they could. Please do not give up, it is important that the world are aware and knows what is going on.
I do not like what i see, and what I see is a run-down country on a brink of a civil war. To think that one judge can create all that than elegantly refused to resign is something the rest of the world didn’t see before. Resign or not? You cant let the corrupt individual to make that decision, your government must show some initiative and willingness to address this issue. Honestly I didn’t have a grasp that in today’s world judge can be so corrupt.
It is understandable that NSW, Australia and “internal” agencies are confused what and how to do it. It’s about the court, the law and the foundation of one country… Don’t think you can solve internally. What surprises me is actions (NO actions) from Obama, Sarkozy, Brown UNICEF etc. and their lack of involvement in this organized crime. I found this tragic, because people are affected daily, the children and families suffer. Abuse can be seen in many forms, but I believe that the POVERTY is the worst Government penalty that the state can impose on its citizens. A difference between rich and poor, in your country, is shocking. People like you, who obey the law, are punished for complaining about being treated unfairly? I believe that the rest of the world had let your country down. Tragic but true.
Thankyou for your comments.
I agree. Chief Justice Spigelman’s organised Judicial corruption will not be solved internally. Spigelman is a Labor appointee. Labor PM Kevin Rudd, parliament and public service all lack clarity to initiate a return to democracy and Law in Australia.
Australia is a wealthy country. Australian Government coffers are collecting more revenue that at any other time in Australia’s history.
In these circumstances poverty and homelessness should be eradicated completely in Australia. It isn’t and it won’t be in Australia. It has been Australian government policy to disregard 4% of Australians. This figure consists of mentally ill, homeless, some aboriginal communities, drug and other addicts, neglected women and children, and others. In the last 10 years this percentage of the population has grown. Don’t be taken in by the political SPIN.
Any assistance internationally in stopping the judicial and political corruption would be warmly and most thankfully received.
As the eighth wealthiest developed country Australia should be made answerable by the international community for it’s human rights abuses, and judical corruption.
Again any assistance or information people are able to provide to help me in my quest will be most kind.
Last week was Law Week in Australia and i took the opportunity to attend a Law Expo in Martin Place Sydney. Speaking to the many organisations there i was told the Legal problems i encountered including organised Judicial corruption could not be handled internally. Australian Legal firms are not interested in exposing Judicial corruption.
Later in the day i looked at the Sydney Law Soceity website that says it gives solicitors, barristers and Judges the chance meet and talk socially.
Law then in this country is failing and will get worse. Chief Justice Spigelman has been able to get away with covering up much murder in this country. I will seek address internationally.
I found hard to believe but Vanessas website is totally ruined. Looks like Mr Rudd’s secret porno addiction wasnt welcome. I wander about this ‘Campbell Gay Scandal’ – is it used to pull attention from Prime Minister’s Rudd Gay scandal? What ever it is it is done wihout taste and dignity. I really believe that those envolved in NSW corruption are far more dangerous than what we’ve thought This is dictatorship.
TO Mr SHARPLESS, Yes, NSW corruption is the matter for FBI
Thankyou for your comments. Corrupt Judges Australia at site 1ftup.blogspot.com deals with the assistance corrupt Government and Judicial officials have received to cover up their corruption. This corruption has been internalised in Australian politics and the Judiciary. This corruption has also continued regardless of the political party in power. It has been ongoing and evolving. I like many people have been subjected to it.
The Australian media remains silent on organised Judicial corruption. Chief justice Spigelman and his corrupt cohorts remain. LAW in Australia is compromised. To my knowledge the FBI may not the correct agency. Others are available though.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
As someone who knows someone who works in high level of AU gov I was disturbed
to find out how much $$ is given to media to promote AU tourism
internationaly Apparently Int visitor
number’s in a serious decline, as a direct result of political instability created by judge Spigelman This judge will ruin your country until the country collapses. Bill goes to Rudd who’s seen as a worst leader ever
Mr Rudd should not use his Canberra-ww-network to access pornography. What hes doing in his private time – thats his job.. What hes (not) doing from 9AM -5PM thats taxpayers bussiness. NZ would be ashamed to have Mr Rudd for a Prime Minister. Its tragic how much NSW media contribute to this corruption and everything else thats (not) going on there.
RE – Johny from NZ. Well said. In view of where & our country s ‘going’ and what’s happening with the voting across the states (scandal after scandal) to watch “Roxy-Foxy’ porno in his office… its sickening. About the media? I agree with that to, Mr. Sharpless case deserves public attention; every Australian should know what’s happening in our city and in our courts. Judge Spigelman makes living on taxpayer’s money and we have no right to evaluate his professional credibility? Don’t think so. Looks like our medias in the dark; someone should tell them-they are Australians to.
Dear Mr Sharpples I admire your courage
Thankyou for your comments. Chief Justice Spigelman is not alone in ruining this country with his corruption. The legal system is unable to grapple with the extent of corruption such as exhibited with the Australian Wheat Board. Present PM Rudd has been no different from PM Howard in allowing Judicial corruption to continue unhindered. The Judicial system is the spine of a countries democracy.
I do not see this as courageous but rather something that needs to aired. Organised judicial corruption associated with corrupt government acts warrant investigation. Australia is incapable of this.
Attorneys and judges same thing control the USA Courts:
The most basic common laws are so distorted due to corruption. Not all are corrupt, but avoiding them isn’t any different than having to go through your local, state or federal government which is a bunch of pathetic retired-on-the-job bureaucrats–inept at that.
Look at the GULF OIL: it is the beginning of the end.
PS Who knows Ian Murphy & Family Pastor/Singer/Militia Cobar Australia…reply
Investigations of judges and the judicial processes they use should be widespread and ongoing. Why would anyone assume for a second that this group of mostly former lawyers suddenly find integrity when ordained with virtual limitless power? Independence is a splendid concept for perfect people at the helm. Engorging thousands of judges with vast immunity protections, places every citizen seeking justice in a court of law at grave risk. In your country, judge under the microscope should be a norm
Judicial Watch’s Western Regional Headquarters has been transforming the way justice is served since its inception. We have responded effectively to complaints of flagrant abuses of power on the part of judges across the country. Our efforts have had a particularly dramatic effect in California’s State and Federal court systems. For example:
1 When Judicial Watch discovered Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Arnold Gold was favoring wealthy fathers in child custody cases, the organization took swift action. After a deluge of complaints, Judge Gold was forced into retirement. He’s now operating as a “rent-a-judge,” mediating cases for celebrity clients to the tune of $400 per hour.
2 JW is also taking legal action against Superior Court Judge George Ward Trammell III. Evidence shows that Judge Trammel sexually molested one defendant, saying she would have to “pay the price” if she ever wanted to see her husband, also a defendant, out of jail. In 2001, Trammell pled guilty to mail fraud for a scheme that he used to “cover-up” this sexual relationship. He was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.
3 Then there is Justice Patrick B. Murphy of Alhambra who was thrown off the bench for collecting a $133,000 salary while attending medical school in the Caribbean. The Judge missed a total of 157 days of work in 1999 alone – 400 days since 1996. In May of 2001, a commission designated to investigate Judge Murphy charged him with “persistent failure or inability to perform judicial duties” as well as failing to give precedence to his judicial duties and making false claims of illness. Judicial Watch helped bring to light Murphy’s transgressions. On May 10, 2001, the commission voted unanimously to remove Judge Murphy from the bench
I see this as a great victories against abuse of TRUST, LAW and REPUTATION.
“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”
Dear Paul, you have a new PM. What do you think about this change? Is she any different than the previous PM, that everyone is so critical about?
King is dead. Long live the King! we say in UK
The same shit. Different wrap up. Ozzie’s phrase
They say she’s already too much caught up with d corrupt NSW something I found astonishing. Every politician should learn a great deal from Rudd’s fall down. Sadly he didn’t learn a thing from Carr, Iemma and Rees. NSW would use U as long as they can, when you fail in people’s eyes U finish like Rudd. How people can overlook this? Even Howard was booted out, and I regard that man a brainy dude.
Unfortunately new PM Julia Gillard is no different from former PM Rudd nor Howard. It is Julia Gillards honeymoon period currently so i have not directly asked her to investigate or take a stand on Chief Justice Spigelman’s organised Juicial corruption. While i am sure Gillard is aware of it Gillard has taken no action to stop it.
Australia faces another federal election in the near future. LAW is not an election issue. Gillard is a lawyer herself. Taking action against corrupt judges in Australia is not possible. SO FAR ! !
The Australian Government is still able to prosper and cover up it’s corruption and atrocities using the Judicial system, Chief Justice Spigelman and Justice Brereton. And when i say atrocities. I mean atrocities.
I made a comment yesterday but it seems to have disappeared.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
some of friends i have who are australians living in denmark are concern about this incident. they beleive that people are fed up with nsw and they want change. anyone knows anything about this?
Julia Gillard is borrowing $100 million
every SINGLE day? Yet she appears 100%
confident she’ll move budget forwad / surplus till 2013? The question is 1. WHEN she’ll stop borrowing? 2. Whos that magicians who can make this happen? Swann? Dont make me lough
Its interesting how many australians who live in my country follow& 2010 election with great distress The burning ? is why the PM can’t say who the defence, finance and foreign minister would be once she’s re-elected?Australians are so concern over this question I haven’t seen something like this since SouthAfrica s election People here are gravely concern for AU future
Its interesting how many australians who live in my country follow& 2010 election with great distress The burning ? is why the PM can’t say who the defence, finance and foreign minister would be once she’s re-elected?Australians are so concern over this question I haven’t seen something like this since SouthAfrica s election People here are gravely concern for AU future
PM Julia Gillard is telling Australian’s to look forward not backward. This has become her parties election slogan. It equates too, forget the mistakes and criminal acts of the past. It could become DIFFERENT DAY, SAME STUFF.
Equally the other political parties have not provided anything inspiring. A recent poll suggests nearly 50% of Australian’s have still not decided who they will vote for on August 21. No conclusion can be reached WHO WILL WIN. An increasing number of luckless Australians will lose.
In recent years Australian political parties have only promised short term solutions or political sweetners at election time.
By THEIR actions all Australian political parties have ensured Australia’s Political and Judicial systems continue to become more isolated. Freedom of information Laws greatly restrict access to information. Government and Judiciary become less transparent.
Australia has the eighth largest economy yet Legal disputes can only be settled in Australian courts. Access to LAW in Australia is seriously expensive with many people and companies unable to afford access. Whilst Australian’s have access to the United Nations the Australian government and Judiciary need not take any action on UN recommendations.
Unfortunately, as i and many others have discovered the Australian Government is able to collude with Australian Judges to enable corrupt cover-ups. Their is no division of power between Government and Judiciary.
Chief Justice Spigelman, Justice Brereton, Justice Hamilton and others have all covered up their corrupt collusion with Australian Defence and other departments.
I have been assured the Judiciary, NSW Politicians and Federal Politicians are aware of this website. So far all remain silent concerning their corruption. This is one possible reason why PM Julia Gillard says in her election slogan. Look forward, Not backwards. The opposition equally remains silent as does Australian media banking on election media expenditure. Their hands are tied.
FEDERAL JUDGE SAYS IF THEY DID NOT PROMISE OR SIGN ANYTHING KICKBACKS ARE OK??? WHICH IS NOT TRUE BY THE WAY.
Turning next to relators’ claims based on alleged violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the court concluded relators failed to allege “that United Health certified compliance with the Anti-Kickback Act, nor did they allege that such compliance was relevant to the Government’s funding decisions.” The court then declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over relators’ state law claims and refused to grant relators leave to amend.
MEDICARE FRAUD, MEDICADE FRAUD, AND KICKBACKS AND BRIBES BUSINESS AS USUAL,INSIDER INFORMATION GIVEN. 9B BS ONE THING BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR “HANDS OFF POLICY” BY THE DOJ AND CMS AND HHS, AND WHY NO INVESTAGATIONS OR AUDITS TO CONFIRM OR HELP? “SELF DISCLOSURE BY CARRIER ANOTHER JOKE”.
WHAT ABOUT “TAXPAYERS TO PREVENT AND STOP AND PREVENT FRAUD FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICADE” WHAT ABOUT WILLIS AND WILKINS BEING FIRED FOR NOT WANTING TO BREAK THE HEALTH FRAUD LAWS?
NJ CEPA CLAIM NOW ON FILE…..FALSE CLAIM UNDER APPEAL AND FILED….. WHERE WAS ANY HELP FROM YOUR DEPARTMENT?
The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey dismissed May 13 a qui tam action alleging violations of the False Claims Act (FCA) by United Health Group and its subsidiaries. According to the court, the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted under the FCA. Relator Charles Wilkins began employment with United Health Group and its subsidiary AmeriChoice in October 2007 as a sales representative. Relator Darryl Willis began employment with United Health Group and AmeriChoice in 2007 as the general manager for Medicare/Medicaid marketing and sales.
In their qui tam complaint, relators allege 11 violations of Medicare and Medicaid regulations. The United States declined to intervene in the case and the relators filed an amended complaint that stated one federal count—violation of 31 U.S.C. § 3729(a)(1)-(3)—and nine state law counts. United Health moved to dismiss under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6), arguing relators failed to plead the elements of a “false certification” claim, they failed to plead any anti-kickback violations, and failed to adequately plead a conspiracy. Relators alleged that because United Health entered into a contract expressly certifying that it agreed with all “terms and conditions of payment,” they made a false claim when they submitted claims despite any one of the 11 purported regulatory violations alleged in the amended complaint. Rejecting relators’ express false certification claim, the court found “[not once in the Amended Complaint have Relators identified even a single claim for payment to the Government.”The court also held relators’ implied false certification claim failed. According to the court, relators argued that because United Health agreed to comply with all CMS regulations when it contracted to become a prescription drug plan sponsor, and because at times it was in violation of some regulations, it therefore committed fraud each time it submitted a claim for payment. The court found such a theory of liability overly broad. “If Relators' theory were correct, the FCA would become a federal tort fountain, flowing claims for every trivial violation of Medicare/Medicaid regulations,” the court said. Relators next argued that under the recently enacted Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (FERA) a relator need only show whether compliance with regulations would have a tendency to influence the government's payment decision. While that argument is true, the court reasoned, “Relators must still show a claim . . . and [t]hey have not done so.” Turning next to relators’ claims based on alleged violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the court concluded relators failed to allege “that United Health certified compliance with the Anti-Kickback Act, nor did they allege that such compliance was relevant to the Government’s funding decisions.” The court then declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over relators’ state law claims and refused to grant relators leave to amend.
United States ex rel. Wilkins v. United Health Grp. Inc., No. 08-3425 (D.N.J. May 13, 2010).
FCA claim alleging aggressive marketing tactics by health plan provider dismissed
Publication: Health Law Week
Date: Friday, June 4 2010
The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey dismissed a qui tam action brought by two former employees of healthcare plan providers alleging violations of the False Claims Act (FCA) arising from excessively aggressive marketing methods. United Health Group Inc., a provider of access to healthcare services, had as its subsidiaries AmeriChoice and AmeriChoice of New Jersey, which each offered Medicare Advantage plans. Charles Wilkins and Darryl Willis (the relators), who were each employed by United Health Group and AmeriChoice, initiated a qui tam claim against United and its two subsidiaries under the FCA alleging numerous violations of Medicare and Medicaid regulations governing administration of the Medicare Advantage plans. The complaint alleged that the defendants engaged in unauthorized and aggressive sales methods in marketing the plans — including the provision of illegal cash payments to providers to induce them to change beneficiaries to AmeriChoice and the provision of illegal kickbacks to doctors for obtaining the names of patients they could call and approach. The defendants moved to dismiss.
The district court concluded that the complaint failed to identify a single instance in which the defendants submitted a false claim to the government for payment as required to prosecute a qui tam claim as relators under the FCA. Under applicable federal appellate court precedent, the absence of such an allegation was fatal to the relator’s false certification claim. The relators’ theory of liability at base was that because United Health agreed that it would comply with all Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations, and because it was at times in violation of some regulations, it committed fraud each time it submitted a claim for payment. The district court concluded that this contention confused the conditions of participation in a Medicare or Medicaid program with the conditions of payment, and would open the door to a flood of tort claims of a type not contemplated by the FCA. Moreover, the complaint failed to allege that the violation of any regulation was actually relevant to any funding decision. As a result, the complaint failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted and, accordingly, the defendants’ motion to dismiss was granted.
Source: Health Law Week, 06/04/2010
Copyright © 2010 by Strafford Publications, Inc. http://www.straffordpub.com / All rights reserved. Storage, reproduction or transmission by any means is prohibited except pursuant to a valid license agreement.
What i don’t understand is; why the media ‘s so protective of what’s going on in the Supreme Court and judge Spigelman? That judge did more damage to your country than anyone else. His actions deserve public attention and Australia should have proper and correct information about the performance of the highest judge in NSW.
What puzzles me is how possible NSW media could hide crime as big as Pauls. Thats something I cant understand, Not a word, not even a basic info. Someone should tell them journalism is the job, serving citizens with correct information, so they can make appropriate choices. Prove me wrong; those guys are equaly responsible as much as the corrupt judge
Thats usually happening when one party’s too long on the power. What I think is that their roots are so deep, even if you want sacked them its not possible anymore. I went over some policies and must tell that am quite impressed of judge Sapingelar cleverness. Every road, every complain, any opportunity to make changes must go through his hands. When you add that the media is silent his power is absolute. Very dangerous situation for people like Mr Sharpless
Why just Mr Sharpless, everyone who’s vulnerable is in danger and how many abused, discriminated and vulnerable are out there? God knows.
You are correct. The Australian media remain silent on many topics including Chief Justice J J Spigelmans organised Judicial corruption.
I have spoken to many prominent Australian journalists. All have been useless. These include from Murdochs press, Fairfax and television networks including the ABC. Their reaction has always been the same. I can’t report on that.
Former Sydney Morning journalist Gerard Ryle probably being the most pathetic of all journalists i have met so far. Journalist Wendy Bacon should also rate a special mention as she teaches journalism at UTS and has remained silent regarding Judicial corruption. She claims she also spoke to McGurk days he was murdered but remais silent about this as well. Hopefully Wendy Bacon doesn’t teach ethics.
The Australian government pays the Australian media to remain silent concerning it’s atrocities. Currently the Australian Media is receiving millions of taxpayer dollars for election advertisements. Labor and the Coalition both advertising a fear campaign based on the other side is worse.
PM Gillard frequently using her political slogan, ‘look forward, not back.”
The Australian Media and Media barons have always had an overly close relationship with politicians and judges. Favours have been provided for the media’s silence. Australian media remains in the hands of a few players. The end result has been Australian journalistic TRASH.
Chief Justice Spigelman is a Labor appointee. He has corrupted LAW in Australia. Australian governments have had no problem with this. Otherwise they would do something. Spigelmans judges have been able to hand out often corrupt judgments with complete bias. Appealing has been useless.
I have corresponded with Editor Kate Gibbs of The New Lawyer. Kate Gibbs has written to me saying she naturally cannot print my comments in her newsletter. Kate Gibbs has also asked me to be quiet. The website is thenewlawyer.com.au
I additionally ask people to look at the judicial and political corruption experienced by Aranza Munoz and her family. Her twitter name is fix NSWlegal
The Federal election being held this Saturday 21st August 2010. Judicial corruption and the absence of regulation for lawyers and Judges should have been main issues. There is no division of Judicial and government powers as described necessary in the Australian constitution.
From my experiences and what i have been told it appears the Australian government has put an embargo on Australian journalists reporting on organised judicial corruption.
Kind regards
Paul Sharpless
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