Staff Reports
The big news out of Jefferson County is simple and serious: the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission filed a 120‑page complaint against Judge Yashiba Blanchard, and the filing automatically suspended her from the probate bench while the matter moves to the Court of the Judiciary. This is not a rumor or a Twitter fight. It is a formal disciplinary filing that says a probate judge failed at her job and hurt people in the process.
What the complaint actually says
The Judicial Inquiry Commission lays out seven charges against Judge Yashiba Blanchard. The complaint accuses her of failing to perform judicial duties, not following the law, showing bias toward attorneys, intimidating and harassing court staff, and mismanaging the probate court. The filing runs roughly 120 pages and quotes staff and lawyers. One allegation in the complaint says that when a staffer mentioned liking Chief Clerk Amanda Reid, Judge Blanchard replied, “Oh, I forgot you all like kissing white ass.” That quote is reported as part of the complaint — it is an allegation, but it is written plainly in the commission’s papers.
Real-world harm, not just courtroom drama
The complaint is not just name-calling and bad temper. It alleges that Judge Blanchard repeatedly delayed or canceled involuntary commitment hearings. Hospital staff emailed that at least one patient stayed in a hospital extra weeks because hearings were postponed. Mental‑health officers reportedly told the commission a backlog grew under her watch. An attorney in the complaint wrote he feared a client would die if hearings kept being pushed. The papers also claim she once blamed tardiness on needing to walk “three dogs.” If true, that is a shocking neglect of duty that cost real people time, money, and safety.
Automatic suspension and temporary fixes
Under Alabama rules, filing formal charges with the Court of the Judiciary triggers an automatic suspension of a judge. That is why Judge Yashiba Blanchard has been removed from active duty while the case moves forward. Presiding Circuit Court Judge Elisabeth A. French signed orders to keep the court running. Retired Probate Judge Sherri Coleman Friday was named special probate judge to clear the docket, and retired Judge Carole Smitherman was tapped to handle election duties for Jefferson County. These moves are meant to steady the ship while the Court of the Judiciary considers discipline.
Why conservatives should care — and what should happen next
We believe in the rule of law. That means judges get due process, but it also means judges must meet high standards. The complaint against Judge Yashiba Blanchard is serious and wide-ranging. It alleges racial remarks, staff retaliation, and delays that harmed vulnerable people. If the allegations are true, she should be held accountable. If they are false, she deserves a fast and public clearing. Either way, Jefferson County needs clear answers and a functioning court. The public deserves transparency and swift hearings so the focus can go back to justice — not dog walks or damaged records. Let the process run, but don’t expect the public to shrug and move on until the records are open and the backlogs are cleared.
