A small-town judge in Utah who has three wives should not be removed from the bench because his private behavior has not tarnished the office he holds, the judge's attorney told the Utah Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Judge Walter Steed was found to be a polygamist by the state's Judicial Conduct Commission, and the panel issued an order seeking his removal from the bench in February.

"The question is whether polygamy rises to a different level of disrepute than something else,'' attorney Rodney Parker said.

But those seeking to remove Steed argue that he shouldn't break the laws he took an oath to uphold.

"Judges are expected to live to a different standard,'' said Colin Winchester, the commission's executive director.

Bigamy is a third-degree felony in Utah punishable by up to five years in prison. Parker contends the bigamy statute is enforced only in rare cases, such as when someone has been duped into marrying someone who already has a wife.

"As long as I can do my job, why should I (be removed)?'' Steed asked outside the courtroom with one of his three wives standing by his side. Link

Thoughts? Removed or not removed?

i'm guessing he is mormon, and i don't think of mormans as members of a cult, not a religion, that should break down how i feel

also good point that he shouldn't be breaking laws that he has taken an oath to uphold.

Ogi

Of course he should be removed. I don't know what oath of office he took, but I think it just might have said something about upholding the law, and I doubt that it said "only the laws you agree with." He has committed a felony under Utah's laws. Utah outlawed polygamy in order to join the Union. (In my opinion, if Utah won't enforce the laws on the books about polygamy, the federal government should start moving all federal offices out of Utah in preparation for setting it adrift. They made the agreement, but apparently won't keep it. But that is another issue.) Steed's line of reasoning seems to fit drunk drivers, as well. As long as they can do their job, why should they be punished?

His religious argument also does not hold water. Steed is quoted as saying, "I'm a Mormon — and the Prophet Joseph taught that in order to receive the highest glory, that's what was necessary in this life." If a Rastafarian smoked the Holy Weed in downtown Provo, would he be allowed to do so, since smoking cannabis can be a part of his religion? If the Rastafarian wouldn't be allowed to practice some part of his religion because it is against the law, why should a Mormon be allowed to practice part of his that is also against the law?

Actually, it comes down to this: Is he violating the law or isn't he? If he is committing a felony, he shouldn't be a judge, he should be a prisoner.

BURN HIM BUUUURRRRRRNNNNNNN HIM!!!

or stone him, whatever is easiest

Ogi

The man has already suffered enough! He has three mothers-in-law.

LOL 3 MIL's

However, I agree, he broke the law he SHOULD be in prison and not remain a seated judge who cannot obey the law himself.