Briefs: INSURING INCOMPETENCE

With the decline of awe-struck reverence for judges and the increase of judicial watchdog agencies (now found in all 50 states), the men and women on the bench are facing more complaints than ever. And as many a defendant knows, the cost of a legal defense can be a personal budget buster. In light of such new fiscal fears, can insurance companies be far behind? No indeed. So here comes incompetency insurance. Policies have been introduced that cover defense costs for disciplinary proceedings; some even cover damages that might be awarded in civil suits. One brochure suggests that its insurance would pay the legal cost of fighting investigations into everything from financial irregularities to marijuana growing. Complete Equity Markets Inc. reports it has sold nearly 100 policies since September.