Unhinged judge who called Latino attorney a ‘White savior’ ordered to undergo psychiatric examination
A federal appeals court’s judicial council has ordered Judge Ada Brown to undergo a psychiatric examination as part of a misconduct investigation. The inquiry follows remarks Brown made to attorney Ezra Young during a hearing, including calling him a “White savior” and accusing him of being intimidated by “Black excellence”; Brown has been temporarily removed from her docket.
Young’s complaint concerned a hearing over allegations that he shared sealed court filings online, for which Brown was considering sanctions. Young, a Latino attorney representing a Black law professor in a discrimination lawsuit against Southern Methodist University, said Brown’s comments were misconduct. In a July filing, Brown defended her conduct and said she had learned from the experience and was open to mentoring by senior judges.
In short
- Judge Ada Brown faces a psychiatric examination in a misconduct inquiry.
- The investigation follows her remarks to attorney Ezra Young at a hearing.
- Brown defended her conduct while expressing openness to judicial mentoring.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A judicial council can reasonably argue that a psychiatric examination is a necessary, impartial step when investigating whether a judge’s conduct raises concerns about her capacity to serve. The reported remarks and temporary removal from the docket make a thorough inquiry important to public confidence, while an examination need not presume wrongdoing or determine the merits of the underlying dispute.
The case against
A judge can reasonably argue that requiring a psychiatric examination risks treating disputed courtroom remarks as evidence of mental illness before the misconduct inquiry has established what happened or why. Brown’s reported statement that she had learned from the experience and welcomed guidance could support addressing the matter through judicial review and mentoring, while guarding against an intrusive process that may stigmatise her or chill forceful courtroom conduct.
Explained simply
Federal judges hear cases and make decisions independently, but they can be investigated for misconduct. A judicial council oversees judges in its circuit and can take steps while it examines a complaint.
The inquiry centres on a hearing involving Ezra Young, a Latino lawyer representing a Black law professor in a discrimination case against Southern Methodist University. Judge Ada Brown was considering whether to sanction Young over allegations that he shared sealed court filings online; Young said her remarks during the hearing were misconduct.
The case brings together questions about courtroom conduct, the treatment of lawyers and the handling of confidential court material. The investigation is separate from the underlying discrimination lawsuit.