Judge Jimmy Sandlin

Judge Jimmy Sandlin presides over what is commonly called family court. As we observed yesterday, no judge is popular with every facet of his or her constituency, and this is especially true when judgments concern the disposition of children.

Sandlin succeeded Judge Larry Mack Smith. It takes effort to overthrow a seated judge, and Sandlin did so based on his own community popularity and his promises of programs designed to preserve marriage. While court-ordered counseling has indeed derailed a small percentage of divorces, its effect is unknown in the long run. Also, these same programs are available through churches and mental health facilities and are not deemed by many to fall under the providence of local government.

Sandlin's personality lends itself to campaigning, something that Larry Smith's did not. This is indeed unfortunate, since Lauderdale County is the worse for losing someone of Smith's erudition and character; however, we believe there is more to Sandlin's character than the proverbial glad handing found in a few politicians who tend to practice their bi-facial antics in various small Shoals communities.

We have recently been encouraging all voters to refer to the Courthouse Forum for information concerning the local elected judiciary. More comments and surveys have been recorded here for Judge Sandlin than any other local judge:

http://www.courthouseforum.com//forums/popupcomments.php?judge=168377&classify=0&

Again, we stress the volatility of opinions related to family court judgments, but remarks by members of the bar are always interesting and should be taken seriously. Judge Sandlin's private life should be just that--private, while remarks concerning his professional conduct should be of interest to all Lauderdale voters.

We encourage anyone having dealings with Judge Jimmy Sandlin to complete a survey on this site and relate any appropriate comments. If you don't tell us, who will?


What's up with this: No comments have yet been made at the Courthouse Forum site concerning Colbert or Franklin courts. This site has been created for us to leave our opinion of these jurists--let's use it.