Jail4Judges, a political activist group headquartered in California, has deemed Pinellas County ground zero for its nationwide campaign, due to alleged corruption within the government and judicial system.
A Jail4Judges national rally, a kickoff for J.A.I.L. (Judicial Accountability Initiative Law) takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the steps of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater on Saturday, Jan. 12.
J.A.I.L. is a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution as a check against judicial misconduct and abuse of power. The initiative would create three statewide Special Grand Juries in Florida for the sole purpose of investigating complaints against judges. The Special Grand Juries would have the power to sanction judges by levying fines and forfeitures against them; and for third-time offenses, removal from the bench. The Special Grand Juries would also have the power to indict judges and subject them to criminal proceedings before special trial juries who may sentence as well as convict the offending judge.
The rally includes a jail trailer on display, holding a mock judge or official, to illustrate the group's point.
Among other local issues, Jail4Judges is asking for a live video feed of the Pinellas County Citizen's Complaints Program, as well as no more closed-door voting within Pinellas' Board of County Commissioners.
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse is at 324 S. Fort Harrison Ave., on the southwest corner of Court Street, Clearwater. For more information about the rally, call 727-784-2104.
This article appears in Jan 9-15, 2002.