FRANKLIN BYNUM

Franklin Bynum has tried to reform the Harris County criminal justice system from within. That's made him a target of the district attorney.

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has recommended Judge Franklin Bynum be suspended over allegations that consist of him being biased against prosecutors and easy on defendants.

Harris County Commissioners voted 3-2 to settle a landmark lawsuit that has been ongoing since 2016. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis hailed the agreement as a historical moment for Harris County, likening it to Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark civil rights case that led to the integration of public schools. Franklin Bynum, County Judge at Law with County Criminal Court No. County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who made criminal justice reform a major part of her campaign before being elected in November, said cost should not deter the county from pursuing reform. In a statement, she said the reforms being pursued by Harris County can serve as a model across the U.S.This settlement is smart, Hidalgo said.