Claiborne Seeks Right to Practice in U.S. Courts

Exactly two years after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove him from the bench, an impeached federal judge who served 17 months in prison for tax evasion sought Friday to resume practicing law in federal court.

The Nevada Supreme Court in November cleared Harry Claiborne, 71, to practice at the state level and his attorney, David Goldwater, on Friday repeated the argument he used there--that Claiborne has been punished enough.

He should be allowed “the basic civil right to make a living,” and “to be restored the dignity his profession affords him,” Goldwater said.

Damage to Bar

Jay Sourwine, president-elect of the Nevada Bar Assn., told U.S. District Judge Robert Broomfield: “The Claiborne affair has caused a great deal of damage to the Bar and to the state court system. We urge you don’t let it do damage to this court.”

Broomfield, of Phoenix, took the matter under advisement and gave no indication when he might rule.

Claiborne was convicted of failing to report $106,651 on his 1979 and 1980 income tax returns. The House of Representatives voted 406 to 0 two years ago to impeach Claiborne, who was removed from office in October, 1986, after a Senate trial.

He was the first federal judge removed by Congress in 50 years.