Comstock Relishes Time On Bench

— Circuit Judge Jon Comstock said he has been humbled by his time on the bench.

Comstock was appointed to replace retiring Circuit Judge David Clinger in June 2011.

“I’ve loved it,” Comstock said. “I’ve always enjoyed my whole legal career.”

Comstock could not seek his appointed position, and instead sought the position held by Judge Mark Fryauf, who was appointed in June 2011 to replace Circuit Judge Jay Finch. Bentonville attorney Tom Smith defeated Comstock in the election for the juvenile judgeship earlier this year.

Comstock
Comstock

“Judge Comstock always was a fair judge and didn’t put up with any crap from the prosecutor’s office,” said Will Trentham, Bentonville attorney. “I respect him for that.”

Rogers attorney Patrick Lewis said Comstock has attributes that are wanted in a circuit judge.

“He’s always been fair and treated everyone in a respectable manner and listened to your story,” Lewis said.

Louis Lim, Bentonville attorney, agreed with Lewis about Comstock.

“Through his time on the bench, Judge Comstock reminds me that although the law enforces limits on our behavior, the law does not have to limit our compassion and understanding,” Lim said. “It is easy to punish someone. The real challenge lies in helping people learn from their mistakes and giving them the opportunity to redeem themselves under the law and in our community.” 

Comstock will move on to be an attorney for Legal Aid of Arkansas. He also will teach a data security course at the University of Arkansas Law School.

“I've loved being a judge, but I will be just as proud to say I am a Legal Aid attorney,” Comstock said. “It’s really helping people at the ground level.”

Comstock recently concluded the needed requirements to be a certified mediator and he plans to work on building a mediator practice. He also plans to continue work on issues surrounding the mentally ill in the criminal justice system. Comstock organized a program earlier this year aimed at bringing more attention to the mentally ill who are held in county jails across the state. Comstock recently testified to state senate and house committee concerning the issue.

“What do you do with the mentally ill when they have been found unfit to stand trial?” Comstock asked. “Are we going to keep them in jails?”

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