The Silent Scandal: Judge Jackson's Controversial Practice of Muting FTR Recordings

Judge Charlene Jackson's Alarming Habit of FTR Muting Threatens Judicial Integrity in Maricopa County

In several instances, Maricopa County Judge Charlene Jackson has inappropriately muted the For The Record (FTR) recordings to express opinions that she is aware violate legal standards and breach the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct. These remarks, made during court sessions, should have been part of the official record. However, by muting the recordings, Judge Jackson has sought to shield herself from judicial scrutiny, thereby undermining the litigants' right to a complete and accurate account of the proceedings for potential review. The ability of litigants to access a complete record is essential for ensuring fairness and upholding the integrity of the legal system.

In one particular case, Judge Jackson muted the FTR and disclosed that she had "personal motives" regarding the matter at hand. Attorneys present submitted sworn affidavits detailing what they heard Jackson say while the FTR was muted. In my case, Judge Jackson admitted to intentionally placing her jurisdictional ruling from an improperly conducted UCCJEA conference into a non-appealable order, effectively preventing me from seeking relief from the Appellate Court regarding her unconstitutional rulings.

The Battle for Courtroom Security Footage in the Face of Evidence Tampering

Several litigants, including myself, reached out to Maricopa County Court Security in an effort to secure the courtroom footage that captured Judge Jackson muting the FTR system, a move we believe was intended to obscure her inappropriate remarks and admissions of misconduct made off the record. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department, responsible for courthouse security, informed me that the security cameras inside the courtroom operate continuously, recording 24 hours a day, even outside of court sessions, and clarified that the FTR recording system functions independently from the courthouse security cameras. We were directed to contact Ken Crenshaw to request the courtroom footage, but he relayed the same disappointing news to all of us: allegedly the security cameras were either muted or the footage from the security cameras in the courtroom was unavailable. In our pursuit of clarity, we approached the legal department at FTR, which indicated that they might still be able to retrieve audio or media files despite the FTR system being muted, and they are currently processing our requests for the muted footage. We remain optimistic that law enforcement will secure the courtroom security camera footage, irrespective of FTR's ability to recover the muted recordings. Additionally, it is crucial that the Court Reporter is interviewed to assess how frequently Judge Jackson mutes the FTR system to hide her inappropriate comments or verbal admissions of misconduct, as muting FTR recordings constitutes evidence tampering, a serious offense under Arizona law.

The Judicial Disgrace of Judge Jackson is a Call for Enhanced Oversight in Arizona

The consequences of Judge Jackson's actions reach far beyond the specific cases she handles, as they are gradually undermining public confidence in the judicial system. When judges attempt to hide their remarks from the record, they foster a climate where accountability is significantly weakened. Upholding rigorous standards of conduct is essential for the integrity of the judiciary, and Judge Jackson's behavior poses a serious threat to the principles of justice.

The controversy surrounding Judge Jackson has become a notable judicial disgrace, especially for her supervisors who have failed to step in and halt her scandalous behavior from reaching such alarming heights. This situation exemplifies the critical need for improved judicial oversight in Arizona.

Please consider supporting us by signing our Change.org Petition to Remove Judge Charlene Jackson from the Maricopa County Superior Court.