In the past week, conversations have erupted over the suitability of Doug Brimhall, a Judge-elect, to take up the post of circuit judge in Northeast Arkansas. The district prosecutor previously raised concerns about Brimhall’s suitability, and now another prominent figure has added her voice to those expressing unease.
Behind this growing scrutiny is Casey Kidd, the Executive Director of the Family Crisis Center, Inc., who has dispatched a letter casting doubt on Brimhall’s aptness for the job to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission. The document, drafted on October 7, highlights worries about Brimhall presiding over the cases that could affect the victims the Center assists.
In her letter, Kidd argues vehemently against the proposition of allowing Brimhall to serve Division 4 of District 2 in his judicial capacity. This follows her recent attendance at a conference run by the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault that placed focus on Human-Centric Investigations. Data from this event greatly impacted Kidd, especially in light of Brimhall’s case.
She cited one particular statistic which states that 11% of sexual assault victims do not file any form of report due to the fear associated with the legal process. Additionally, it was found that 95% of victims who do report later regret it. With this data in mind, Kidd worries about what the implications would be if a man charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, a felony, and third-degree domestic battery, were to serve as a circuit judge.
Brimhall, it should be noted, entered a guilty plea to a harassment charge. In the eyes of Kidd, having him serve in a judicial role could potentially undermine the integrity and effectiveness of our legal system. She wrote, “Does this say that our system is a safe place for a victim? Does this say that our system follows the ‘no one is above the law’ ethos? Does this say that our system does everything within its power to shield the victim and condemn the perpetrator?” She expressed her belief that she could not, in good faith, respond in the affirmative to these questions.
Furthermore, Kidd deliberated upon the oath Brimhall took to comply with the rules of professional conduct and any other ethical standard set by the court. She avers in her letter that Brimhall, to her understanding, has neither abided by his oath nor shown willingness to do so in the future. This puts into question his capacity to maintain professional integrity and uphold the rule of law as a judge.
This open letter has been disseminated not only to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission but also to the entirety of the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Judges, Arkansas Chief Justice Dan Kemp, and Charlene Fleetwood, who serves as the Deputy Director for the Arkansas Judiciary Office of Professional Conduct. Moreover, it has been revealed that members of the media have received copies of this letter as well.
The situation unfolds as more eyes turn to scrutinize the judicial appointments in Northeast Arkansas, sparking conversations about the integrity and efficacy of the legal system. Whether Brimhall will overcome this public obstacle and rise to his position as circuit judge, or whether the allegations will hamper his judicial aspirations remains unseen. Just as clear and needed as the law is, it is just as crucial that the integrity of those upholding it is beyond reproach.
