Former TV personality and criminal court judge Joe Brown has been shut down from practicing law in Tennessee by the state’s Supreme Court. Brown, who is suffering from some health ailments, was placed on disability inactive status but might be able to practice again if he can prove his condition has improved.
The Commerical Appeal reports:
“Judge Brown is suffering from what hopefully will prove to be a temporary disability as a result of complications following from Type II Diabetes and the effects of prescribed medication for the condition combined with hypertension and stress,” according to a statement by production company Celebritunity . “Judge Brown urges others to preserve their health by having regular check-ups, following their doctor’s instructions, dieting properly and exercising regularly. He also wishes to thank his friends and fans for their expressions of concern and support.”
Brown had a petition for discipline pending against him from October 2015. The petition has been suspended indefinitely until he can be removed from inactive status. The petition stemmed from an outburst in Shelby County Juvenile Court during his run for district attorney general in 2014.
If a lawyer cannot successfully defend himself because of a disability, the proceeding cannot continue, said Sandy Garrett, chief disciplinary counsel of the Board of Professional Responsibility.
Beyond the state’s High Court decision to have Brown on disability status, other records related to the matter are sealed. The state has a program for lawyers who need help with personal difficulties known as the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program. It wasn’t noted if Brown signed up for the program.
For 15 seasons, Brown was an imposing figure during the reality court television show he helmed, using a no-nonsense approach to handing down sentences in minor civil cases. Brown was the first Black man to host a courtroom reality series and the first Black person to have one become successful as it was. Running from 1998 until 2012, Brown established the image of tough-love judge often with a side of sage wisdom.
Get better, Judge Joe Brown!
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Photo: WENN
