Review the archived local media reports of the downfall of Judge Richard Baumgartner and the fall out of his judicial misconduct in the Christan-Newsom murder cases.

1. Why do you think his misconduct on the bench went unreported by other court personnel?
2. Do you think the legal and career consequences he suffered are adequate for what he has admitted to doing?
3. Who do you think, other than the judge, should be held responsible for the outcome of this situation?
4. Summarize briefly what the effect has been on the cases tried by Judge Baumgartner.
5. What safeguards do you think could be put in place to prevent a similar event?