Orly Taitz, the "birther" lawyer who contends U.S. President Barack Obama was not born in the United States, and is thus constitutionally ineligible to serve as President, has been fined $20,000 for misconduct by a Georgia court.
The sanctions ruling of U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land leaves little doubt as to the Court's impression of Ms. Taitz' conduct - and her cause:
When a lawyer files complaints and motions without a reasonable basis for believing that they are supported by existing law ... that lawyer abuses her privilege to practice law. When a lawyer uses the courts as a platform for a political agenda disconnected from any legitimate legal cause of action, that lawyer abuses her privilege to practice law. When a lawyer personally attacks opposing parties and disrespects the integrity of the judiciary, that lawyer abuses her privilege to practice law. When a lawyer recklessly accuses a judge of violating the Judicial Code of Conduct with no supporting evidence beyond her dissatisfaction with the judge’s rulings, that lawyer abuses her privilege to practice law.
...Regrettably, the conduct of counsel Orly Taitz has crossed these lines, and Ms. Taitz must be sanctioned for her misconduct. After a full review of the sanctionable conduct, counsel’s conduct leading up to that conduct, and counsel’s response to the Court’s show cause order, the Court finds that a monetary penalty of $20,000.00 shall be imposed upon counsel Orly Taitz as punishment for her misconduct, as a deterrent to prevent future misconduct, and to protect the integrity of the Court. Payment shall be made to the United States, through the Middle District of Georgia Clerk’s Office, within thirty days of today’s Order. If counsel fails to pay the sanction due, the U.S.Attorney will be authorized to commence collection proceedings.
...The Court further directs the Clerk of this Court to send a copy of this Order to the State Bar of California, 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, for whatever use it deems appropriate.
The full ruling is here.
- Garry J. Wise, Toronto
Visit our Toronto Law Firm website: www.wiselaw.net
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