Jill L. Burkhardt

Although it is just a Pipe Dream, I pray Burkhardt is not "appointed" to a second eight (8) year term as a Magistrate Judge. And heaven help all of us if she is EVER elevated (million to 1 shot IMO) to District Judge. I mean seriously, are MJ appointments 100% political (OK, it was just a rhetorical question)? Do they not Vet these candidates for scholarship, acumen, aptitude or social intellect (again, just a rhetorical question)? Is it too much to ask for at least average brainpower with a small dose of Social Intelligence tossed in? When a Federal Judge (even a MJ) cannot distinguish, understand or figure out how to apply differing standards of proof in criminal cases or section 1983 cases- preponderance vs BRD- which in turn makes all the difference in the world under the "harmless error" rule, then that Federal Judge has NO BUSINESS whatsoever in a Federal Court (unless Burkhardt is the criminal defendant, talk about karma!). The only apparent training Burkhardt had prior to appointment was being employed as an AUSA. Wow, that is a shock (eye roll). Burkhardt is, putting it as kindly as I can, a lightweight. Never, EVER, stipulate to her under 28 U.S.C §636(c). I wish there were negative ratings, this is one judge who deserves such a rating.

In my opinion, she should not have been appointed until she had more civil discovery experience, at least. Her inexperience creates extra work for the lawyers and the court. Also, won't give sufficient time to do discovery.

New judge and it shows. Poor handling of ENE conference and CMC. Requires a lot of hoops for discovery motions.