The unresolved question at the end of the 90-minute hearing before a three-judge panel of the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline on Tuesday in Harrisburg was whether the court has the power to suspend Justice Joan Orie Melvin without pay despite the fact that the Judicial Conduct Board and the justice’s counsel have agreed that she should continue her paid suspension.
Orie Melvin was charged in Allegheny County on May 18 with nine criminal counts alleging she used legislative and judicial staff to perform campaign work.
