District Judge Stuart Smith in Dale County, Alabama, who handles juvenile court cases involving child abuse and neglect, has been suspended following a lengthy state-led investigation. The Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission filed a complaint with the Court of the Judiciary, accusing Smith of failing to effectively manage his docket, leaving cases inactive for extended periods, in some instances for years.

Smith, who oversaw various cases ranging from small claims to child support and juvenile court cases, had over 300 cases on his docket when the investigation began in May 2023, dating back to his first term starting in 2017.

The complaint highlighted specific instances of alleged negligence, such as delays in addressing custody petitions and failure to appoint court guardians for children in proceedings involving abuse or neglect.

Smith reportedly took action in these cases only after being notified of the investigation by the Judiciary Investigations Committee, raising concerns about his overall performance in handling such sensitive matters.

The delays caused by Smith were described as burdensome to all involved parties and damaging to public trust in the judicial system, according to the complaint.

Attorneys for the Judicial Inquiry Commission refrained from commenting on the ongoing proceedings due to confidentiality requirements, but assured that the trial and related filings would be made public.

In 2022, the Commission filed charges against only two judges, resulting in suspensions without pay for each. A trial to determine potential charges against Smith will be scheduled if no agreement is reached.

The investigation portrays a picture of systemic issues in Smith’s handling of cases, prompting the suspension and further legal proceedings to address the alleged misconduct.