Abusive Fairfax Judge Langhorne Keith of Fairfax Circuit Court

Fairfax, VA.

December 24, 2002

Dear Courts of Justice Committee,

As a member of the Courts of Justice Committee, it is my understanding you are considering Judge M. Langhorne Keith, of the Fairfax Judicial Court, for re-election. I am writing you because I strongly oppose Judge Keith’s reappointment for another term to the Fairfax Court. My personal circumstances are relevant to your deliberations. The way Judge Keith handled my visitation hearing demonstrates he is unaware of his ingrained gender bias.

Our most precious relationships are with our children, yet Judge Keith is clearly remiss in his duties to protect those parent child relationships and Constitutional rights. I feel justice was not served in my case because Judge Keith ignored Virginia Law and the United States Constitution. Under the US Constitution and VA law, every parent has an absolute right to enjoy the society and company of our children. The VA code states that every parent is entitled to frequent and continuing contact with his or her children. For a fit and decent parent with no finding of fault or blame upon them to be reduced by judicial fiat to a pittance of visitation is a travesty of justice. I have carefully searched the record in my case to find some evidence, which would justify Judge Keith’s rulings. Quite frankly none exists.

Enclosed with this letter is an Amicus Curiae brief submitted to the Virginia Court of Appeals in my case, by the Children’s Rights Counsel. The brief summarizes my case in an eloquent and persuasive way. After reading the argument presented, I am left wondering how a loving, caring, and devoted father could be reduced to thirty minutes of parenting time every two weeks? What judge could in fairness and equity affirmatively order such an outcome?

How did I lose my presumption of parental fitness absent any evidence to the contrary? The only explanation appears to be that this particular Judge, M. Langhorne Keith, is not giving fathers even the most minimal benefit of their Constitutional and statutory rights. I am sure as you listen to the words of others, you will find I am not the only one to make this complaint.

I am still searching for an answer. If you will please take the time to consider the accompanying brief, perhaps you will ask the same questions.

If by disposition and outlook Judge Keith does not put value on the parent child relationship he does not belong on the bench.

If you have further inquires, please call me at 703-262-2475
Sincerely,

John M. Hanyok