A Philadelphia judge who once sparked controversy by jailing the rapper Meek Mill for probation violations has been transferred to civil court and had all of her pending criminal cases reassigned a highly unusual move that the judge has called unlawful as she attempts to have it reversed.
The unfolding legal battle is the latest chapter in a months-long conflict between Common Pleas Court Judge Genece Brinkley and judicial leadership, a feud that began in part over questions about whether Brinkley was showing up to the courthouse on time or managing her caseload effectively. Since the reassignment, lawyers and judges who have reviewed dozens of Brinkleys cases have discovered a history of her appearing to impose illegal sentences, allow sentences to run past their maximum date, or failing to swiftly address cases remanded to her by higher courts.
This summer, Brinkley, who is Black, filed a gender and racial discrimination complaint against two supervising judges on the court, both of whom are also Black women. And earlier this month, she turned to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court seeking to reverse the decision to reassign her cases, saying in a petition that it raises unwarranted suspicions about [her] integrity and performance.
Courthouse observers have been left stunned by the dispute, which represents more than just a messy fight between elected officials. Judges hold a unique position in the criminal justice system, with vast authority over cases that affect the lives of defendants and victims.
At least one prominent stakeholder supported Brinkleys reassignment. Keisha Hudson, chief of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, said she was very encouraged that judges in leadership were working to address complaints about Brinkley that lawyers in her office have been voicing for years.
We have long raised concerns about Judge Brinkley, Hudson said. Concerns in terms of judicial temperament and cases on an individual basis.
Better late than never.
---
It's not the end of the world, but we can see it from here.