Story Archives of 'David Brock'

It was called New Hampshire?s O.J. trial as three years ago; the state glued its eyes and ears to the impeachment and trial of Justice David Brock. Many hoped it to be a crescendo in the battle between the state legislators and the judiciary. Justice Brock was acquitted back in 2000. Now in 2003 he's retiring and we?re asking what if anything have we learned from it. Laura's guest are Albert "Buzz" Scherr, Professor of Law at Franklin Pierce Law Center. Mary Brown, Former State Senator and author of "The Impeachment Trial of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice", Trish Anderton, NHPR Reporter, Representative Henry Mock, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and Bev Hollingworth, Former Senate President and Presiding Officer during the impeachment.

ON ELECTION DAY NEXT WEEK, VOTERS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO DECIDE WHO HAS THE FINAL SAY OVER THE RULES OF THE STATE COURT SYSTEM. WHILE THAT MAY SEEM LIKE AN OBSCURE ISSUE, COURT REFORMERS AND SOME LEGAL ANALYSTS SAY IT'S A CRITICAL STEP TOWARD ENSURING A HEALTHY BALANCE OF POWER IN GOVERNMENT. CRITICS CHARGE IT WILL DESTROY THAT BALANCE. NHPR'S TRISH ANDERTON REPORTS.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has improved its speed and efficiency. That's according to the National Center for State Courts, which released a report on the high court's operations today. NHPR's Trish Anderton reports.

The committee that disciplines New Hampshire judges has ruled that two state Supreme Court justices did not violate ethics standards.
Back in April, Justices John Broderick and James Duggan had intervened in the Judicial Conduct Committee?s decision to reprimand Chief Justice David Brock.
And after facing criticism for their actions, Broderick and Duggan asked the committee to investigate.
Franklin Pierce Law Professor Buzz Scherr has been following the story?and describes the committee?s findings to NHPR?s Mark Bevis.

The difficult relationship between the New Hampshire legislature and the state courts recently reached a new stumbling block. The legislature wants to carry out a so-called ?performance audit? to find out how efficiently the courts are working. But the judiciary argues the audit would violate its all-important independence.