White County Judge Sam Benningfield is pressuring people with drug convictions to undergo sterilization in exchange for a reduced sentence. This is unconstitutional, as coercing people to give up their reproductive freedoms runs contrary to numerous court cases. It is also unethical: The practice of forcing people to get sterilized has a long and dark history in the United States.
Judges who promote unethical and unjust behavior in the course of their work don't belong on the bench. Members of the judiciary should demonstrate meticulous attention and dedication to upholding ethical values, or risk compromising the integrity of their office.
Promoting an unconstitutional approach to drug offenses also suggests that Judge Benningfield may have a poor understanding of legal precedent, a dangerous sign. The residents of Tennessee deserve to have their cases heard in a fair, just setting, with the oversight of a judge who is familiar with the latest legislative developments and caselaw.
It's imperative to impeach Judge Benningfield so he can be replaced with a jurist more suited to the position, and more willing to do his job. The age of forced sterilization should have ended long ago: Don't allow an officer of the court to perpetuate it.
Photo credit: Scott Robinson/Creative Commons
