AL residents hold protest demanding Judge Mark Fuller resign

Published: Oct. 5, 2014 at 12:12 AM CDT|Updated: Oct. 12, 2014 at 12:12 AM CDT
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(Source: WSFA 12 News)
(Source: WSFA 12 News)

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Federal Judge Mark Fuller, who presides over Alabama's middle district, is being asked to resign after being arrested last month over domestic violence charges.

Fuller entered a pre-trial diversion program after being arrested on domestic violence charges after he allegedly hit his wife.

Citizens gathered on Saturday in Montgomery at the Federal Courthouse to call for Fuller's resignation.

Several leaders have already said Judge Fuller needs to step down including Governor Robert Bentley and several US Congressional leaders.

Bentley has stated that the judge has jeopardized the public's trust with his actions.

Alabamians rallied on Saturday saying the judge has no right serving on the bench.

Fuller was arrested in August at an Atlanta Hotel after his wife called 911 saying he was beating her.

Fuller was charged with domestic violence, but he avoided prosecution with a plea deal that will remove the arrest from his record.

Protestors say that's not enough and say he should lose his job. They believe he should be removed from his appointment as Judge, saying if he can't abide by the laws than he certainly can't rule on them.

"It's unfair for him to judge other people on the law and constitution of these United States and he's violated each code of conduct and canon laws that these United States were founded on," said Montgomery resident Karen Jones.

There is a court investigation currently underway into the domestic abuse allegations being conducted by a five person committee. The committee can recommend disciplinary action to the court's Judicial Council. The council can then reprimand the judge, or ask that he retire.

If the 11th circuit doesn't request Fuller's resignation, the only way to remove a federal judge is through impeachment proceedings.

Fuller's attorney has said they plan to let the investigation and disciplinary process continue.

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