According to the Merriam-Webster On-Line Dictionar http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boondoggle , a Boondoggle is “a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft.”
Where will 200 Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee JUDGES and ATTORNEYS be from Wednesday, May 4, 2011 until Saturday, May 7, 2011 be? DESTIN, FLORIDA!
The event: The 2011 Bench Bar & Boardroom Conference, which according to the Memphis Bar Association’s website “is a great opportunity for all attorneys to interact with each other - and with judges - in a casual atmosphere.”
Some of the events, listed at the end of this post, include Yoga, Beach Volleyball, Beach Party, Cocktails, and Golf.
Arguably, there will be some continuing education legal seminars presented, but the underlying theme is PARTY TIME WITH THE JUDGES!
So if you are looking for a JUDGE next week, don’t bother going to the Shelby County Courthouse - go to Destin, Florida at Tops'l Beach Resort, 9011 Hwy. 98 West, Destin, FL 32550. (Although there are a few dedicated judges that are not going to the boondoggle.)
In May 2007, former Criminal Court Judge Axley was banned from a Destin, Florida resort for propositioning a professional massage therapist for oral sex:
“Now he has been banned from a resort in Destin, FL, after an employee there says he sexually harassed her last week. On Wednesday, the Okaloosa Sheriff's Department was called to the Silver Shells Beach Resort in Destin because of Axley. He was not arrested, but he was given a written trespassing warning. On it, a manager at the resort said ‘this subject is barred permanently for sexual harassment of employees.’ The Okaloosa Sheriff's Department says if he returns to the resort again, he will be arrested.” http://www.legalreader.com/blog/2007/5/14/memphis-judge-banned-from-florida-resort-for-harassment.html
Questions:
Who is paying the “conference” fees for the judges to attend?
Who is paying the transportation and lodging fees for the judges?
Are the judges using personal vacation time, or are they still on government time?
SO MUCH FOR JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE! These type of activities should be banned! Judges and attorneys that practice in front of them SHOULD NOT BE partying together! I guess the practice of law in Shelby County, Tennessee falls under the “Friends and Family” plan. (There is no guessing about it, though.)
Wednesday, May 4
1:00 p.m. - Registration opens (Centre Court Conference Center)
6:30 p.m. - Welcome Reception sponsored by Decosimo Advisory Services - Tides pool area
Thursday, May 5
7:00 a.m. - Yoga with Cindy
Join certified yoga instructor Cindy Pensoneau for a workout to renew your body and refresh you mind.
8:00 a.m. - Continental breakfast - Centre Court
1:30 p.m. - Fun on the Beach
Join your colleagues for some exercise and relaxation on the beach. Enjoy bocce ball, frisbee and other "beach" games!
Friday, May 6
8:00 a.m. - Continental breakfast - Center Court
2:00 p.m. - Beach Volleyball Tournament
Whether you play or not, come enjoy the action and cheer on your favorite team (and have a few libations!)
6:30 p.m. - Beach Party (Tides pool area)
Okay, it's not technically on the beach, but you can enjoy the view and watch the sunset while enjoying cocktails and heavy hors d'oevures.
Saturday, May 7
7:00 a.m. - One Mile Fun Run/Walk (t-shirts provided to all who participate)
8:00 a.m. - Continental Breakfast - Centre Court
1:30 p.m. - Golf Tournament - Links Course at Sandestin
6:00 p.m. - U of M Alumni Reception
Hosted by the University of Memphis law school, the reception is open to all attendees and their guests.
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