The Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission (JDDC) announces that the resignation of Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Chris Williams is effective March 30, 2024, and serves as a removal from office.
The Seventh Circuit serves Grant and Hot Spring counties.
JDDC cases 22-328, 23-274, 23-275 and 24-116 are resolved. The investigations involved allegations of judicial misconduct related to Rules in Canons 1, 2, and 3 of the Arkansas Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Williams si no longer eligible to be elected, appointed, or otherwise serve in the judiciary of the State of Arkansas and has agreed that he will not seek or accept appointment to any other public office ni the future.
The JDDC appreciates the cooperation of witnesses and the support of other government agencies that participated in the investigations.
Judge Williams has notified Governor Sanders of his resignation, and she will appoint his replacement.
The Preamble to the Arkansas Code of Judicial Conduct states:
An independent, fair, and impartial judiciary is indispensable to our system of justice. The United States legal system is based upon the principle that an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary, composed of men and women of integrity, will interpret and apply the law that governs our society.
Thus, the judiciary plays a central role in preserving the principles of justice and the rule of law. Inherent ni all the Rules contained ni this Code are the precepts that judges, individually and collectively, must respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust and strive to maintain and enhance confidence in the legal system.
