In the Matter of Bennett

The Judicial Tenure Commission (hereinafter the Commission) has recommended, pursuant to its constitutional authority, 1 that this Court remove Judge Earl Warren Bennett from office.

Judge Bennett, the respondent, now serving as district judge for the Third Judicial District, 1st Division (Branch County), was elected to that office for the term commencing January 1, 1975. Prior to his election to the office of district judge, Judge Bennett was a probate judge for Branch County and served in that office from October 2, 1972 until December 31, 1974.

On March 15, 1976, the Commission filed Formal…