What better evidence is there than two pieces appearing in the Tribune on Nov. 5 (“New judge has record of jury bias,” Page 1, and “Unlocking judicial loopholes of the highest order,” Commentary) that the words “legal ethics” are an oxymoron. Judge John J. “Jack” Hynes’ lie on his application to be an associate judge is an intentional falsehood not excusable because no oath was required. It was a conscious withholding of requested information potentially harmful to his application. For a judge, there is never a license to withhold officially requested information.
Basic to our society is that this is a nation of laws, not of men. The legal profession is the key to upholding that principle. Judge Hynes’ self-serving action put him above the law. The remarks of Donald O’Connell, chief judge of Cook County Circuit Court, are a mile off the point that Judge Hynes falsified his application. In fact the chief judge, by his excuse for Judge Hynes, joined the impropriety. Twice as a prosecutor, Judge Hynes broke the anti-discrimination laws. Thus the judges have made a mockery of legal ethics and the judiciary.
The political games being played by Judge Michael Bilandic, described in Bruce Dold’s Commentary page column, patently flaunt the public policy decision that judges must retire at age 75. His action dishonors his oath to uphold the law, thereby denigrating his office.
