Appellate Judge Steigmann accused of using office to book lectures

A 4th District Appellate Court judge who at least once likened himself to a “cheap date” by charging $1,250 for a lecture is the subject of a Judicial Inquiry Board complaint that he was using his office to book speaking engagements.

The board announced Monday that Justice Robert Steigmann, 72, of Urbana “used official court letterhead, computer equipment and staff to solicit paid lecturing opportunities from law enforcement organizations, medical societies and hospitals.”

In a written response, Steigmann said the lectures, like his teaching at a law school and co-authoring a publication about evidence rules in Illinois, are proper and do not prejudice his work or bring his office into disrepute, as alleged.

“These characterizations are wrong, and the Board’s filing of this complaint is regrettable, embarrassing and unnecessary,” Steigmann said in the response.

Read more: http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170807/appellate-judge-steigmann-accused-of-using-office-to-book-lectures