Summary
Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide in his courtroom on his last day in office after losing a re-election bid.
He was found Tuesday morning at Effingham County State Courthouse, with investigators believing the incident occurred late Monday or early Tuesday.
Yekel, appointed in 2022, had recently attempted to resign but was denied by Governor Brian Kemp.
He was also facing a wrongful termination lawsuit from a former court employee.
I’m not sure what law would cover it, but I can’t believe this is legal.
Given the nature of the job it’s probably something to do with a duty to finish pending work or such. Much like can’t just quit the military until your contract is up or you face court marshel.
court martial
Ok, so the court’s marshel will bring you to the court martial, damn homonyms…
The marshal of the court :-)
I mean, Jury’s can be forced to do their part so I guess I’m not too surprised that the other parts of the court system can have a compulsory component