There's an unprecedented disciplinary hearing unfolding in San Antonio involving the chief ustice of the Texas Court of Appeals, Sharon Keller. You can read the blow-by-

blow coverage over at Texas Lawyer's Ex Parte blog. The New York Times even weighed in with an editorial today. Judge Keller is facing ethics charges from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in connection with the events that occurred just hours before the execution of Michael Richard in Sept. 2007. The judge is accused of closing the courthouse doors promptly at 5 p.m., effectively blocking the filing of a late appeal by Richard's legal team. Needless to say, there's no shortage of strong feelings among observers on both sides regarding what should happen at the close of this hearing. Count Dallas litigator Dan Boyd among them.

Boyd, who is a frequently published and regular speaker on the topic of legal ethics, calls the judge's actions "inexcusable," but also notes "they are only the most notorious of a pattern of biased judicial conduct on her part." To interview Mr. Boyd about legal ethics, contact Rhonda Reddick at 800-559-4534 or Rhonda@androvett.com.