A Missouri judge known for his fondness for Elvis Presley has agreed to step down from the bench after concerns over his impact on courtroom integrity.
Judge Matthew Thornhill, who often wore Elvis-inspired wigs and played the rock star’s music in court, said he wanted to bring some levity to proceedings but acknowledged that it may have affected the seriousness of the cases.
The state’s Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline had taken notice of Thornhill’s eccentricities, including photos of him dressed as Elvis and references to politics during court proceedings.
As part of a deal, Thornhill will take a six-month leave of absence before returning to the bench for 18 months, after which he will resign. The agreement is pending approval from the Missouri Supreme Court.
Thornhill’s biography mentions his love for Elvis, as well as other hobbies like surfing and gardening. However, his antics on the bench have raised concerns about maintaining a level of decorum in the courtroom.
Source: www.foxnews.com
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