Retired Criminal Court Judge Bernie Weinman of Memphis has been retained to fill a new position as assistant disciplinary counsel for the Tennessee Court of the Judiciary, Presiding Judge Steven Stafford, chancellor for the 29th judicial district, said Monday.
Judge Weinman retired in 2004 after serving 30 years as a criminal court judge in Shelby County. He has been in the private practice of law since he left the bench.
As assistant disciplinary counsel, he will work with Chief Disciplinary Counsel Joe Riley in the investigation of misconduct complaints against Tennessee judges. If a complaint is found to have merit, the Court of the Judiciary can impose a range of sanctions, including a public reprimand, private reprimand or a recommendation for removal from office.
“Judge Weinman is the perfect person for the job,” Judge Stafford said. “He is widely respected in the judiciary and will be a great asset to the Court of the Judiciary.”
Mr. Riley said he has known Judge Weinman for more than 25 years both personally and professionally and “his integrity and experience clearly qualify him for the job.” He said the Court of the Judiciary received about 350 complaints within the last year. Most were found to be without merit, he said.