Luzerne judges seek immunity in 'kids for cash' case

October 29, 2009 12:34 am

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The Associated Press

Two ex-judges from eastern Pennsylvania want to be dismissed as defendants in a series of civil lawsuits filed in the wake of a juvenile justice scandal.

Former Luzerne County judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan already face criminal charges of taking $2.8 million in kickbacks to place juvenile defendants in private youth detention centers.

Now, they're seeking judicial immunity from civil lawsuits filed on behalf of hundreds of youths they sentenced.

A federal judge in Wilkes-Barre heard arguments yesterday but did not immediately issue a decision.

Immunity is designed to give judges freedom to rule without fear of legal retribution. But plaintiffs' attorneys say the judges' conduct went beyond the scope of normal court business.


First Published October 29, 2009 12:34 am

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