1. Contact: Kari Hartman
317.269.2000
FAX 317.269.1915
khartman@indybar.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release
Indianapolis Bar Association Responds to Criticism
of Marion County Circuit Court Judge
Indianapolis, IN, April 28, 2011: On behalf of over 5,000 lawyers, judges, and legal
professionals, the Indianapolis Bar Association on occasion finds it appropriate to speak when
the integrity of the legal system or those who administer, support and defend it are unfairly
called into question. The April 27, 2011 blog post by Abdul Hakim-Shabazz titled “Treacy v.
Parker?”, has made unsubstantiated allegations that call into question the actions of a sitting
judge and the integrity of the legal system as a whole. The Marion County Circuit Court judge in
the matter involving the case of Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White is bound by the rules
of judicial conduct in that and any other case. While we understand the importance of a free
debate in political matters and policy issues of public concern, including those that may take
place on the Indiana Barrister blog, parts of this April 27 blog post suggest without evidence that
the judge has violated his duties. The legal system, its participants and the public benefit from
commentary on politics that is free from baseless allegations of this nature. We also note that
since Abdul Hakim-Shabazz is an attorney who has chosen a name for his blog that references
the legal profession, it would have been our hope that his respect for the legal system would
have outweighed any interest in publishing sensationalized, unfounded and unattributed
allegations about the judge. The IndyBar reiterates its support for a vigorous public discourse
about the legal system and judiciary, but encourages those who comment publicly to do so
responsibly.
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Indianapolis Bar Association
135 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 1500 | Indianapolis, IN 46204 | www.indybar.org