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The Ethics of Judge Nadeau

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A TRUE STORY OF SEX AND BETRAYAL—AND THE ETHICS THAT MAKE IT OKAY

THE ETHICS OF JUDGE NADEAU is the TRUE story of a judge who is (at the time of the publishing this book) currently presiding over York County Probate Court in Maine. The premise of the book is that—in spite of the Maine Bar of Overseers’ rulings to the contrary—the behavior of Judge Nadeau is unethical. Referencing real exhibits and depositions in an actual court case, THE ETHICS OF JUDGE NADEAU provides a bird’s eye view into the reasoning behind behavior that is so incredible it will literally take your breath away. This candid and (often) humorous account of Judge Nadeau’s antics (in and out of the courtroom) is as entertaining as it is disturbing. For us, the authors, it represents the last decade of our lives.

This book is based on the belief that there are some things a lawyer should not do—especially if he’s a judge—because they are either unethical, illegal, or just plain stupid. Here are ten of the most obvious (or what we think should be the most obvious):

1. A lawyer should not sleep with a client.
2. A lawyer should not tell everyone who will listen what his client told him while he was representing her.
3. A lawyer should not secretly advise the opponents in his former client's case.
4. A lawyer should not stalk, slander and terrorize former clients.
5. A lawyer should not enter his personal psych file as an exhibit without reading it first.
6. A lawyer should not sue everyone he hates...just because he can.
7. A lawyer should not make two—or even three—opposing statements under oath.
8. A lawyer should not use depositions to get private information from witnesses to use against them later.
9. A lawyer should not use client funds to pay his firm's operating expenses.
10. And finally, if a lawyer does do all of the things listed above, he should probably not put it all in writing.

Not only has Judge Robert Nadeau done all of these things, but he actually tries to defend them in his many emails, pleadings and depositions (which are either included in the book or have been uploaded online for you to see). Worst of all, the judicial system has supported him every step of the way.

Whether or not you ever find yourself in a courtroom, THE ETHICS OF JUDGE NADEAU will impact the way you view our judicial system.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2013

5 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Nancy Madore

20 books162 followers
Nancy Madore achieved enormous critical acclaim with her ENCHANTED series, which includes ENCHANTED, ENCHANTED AGAIN and ENCHANTED DREAMS.

Now, following her life-long interest in ancient history and mythology, Nancy Madore is launching a new series in the historical and science/speculative fiction genres, called LEGACY OF THE WATCHERS. So far, the series includes THE HIDDEN ONES and POWER OF GODS. Madore is currently working on the third book in the series.

You can read more about Nancy Madore's LEGACY OF THE WATCHERS series by visiting her website at www.nmadore.com.

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia Kulp.
2 reviews
January 6, 2016
"This book is my attempt to beat back the corruption I have witnessed in my little corner of the world, by using the 'power of the pen‘ to hold one judge—and the system he operates within— accountable. I hope my story inspires others to do the same."
That quote comes directly from the author Nancy Madore and I think she has accomplished what she set out to do. But this story is about a lot more than just the corrupt Judge Nadeau. It's also about friendship. At least thats the part of the story I related to best. I could see myself in both women (mostly Maryann). I have been where Maryann was and I could understand the hopelessness she felt. I think they were unfortunate to get mixed up with this judge. I give Nancy Madore kudos for having the courage to write about it.
This was an easy read from start to finish. Although the content is serious, it is presented with humor, making it a very enjoyable reading experience. Five stars!
Profile Image for Avery Sanderson.
1 review
December 30, 2015
This was hilarious and depressing at the same time. It had a nice flow to it that made it a quick read. I think they should videotape the trial. I liked the author's lawyer. I kept thinking Maryann and the judge would end up getting back together. They are both crazy.
Profile Image for Christina.
2 reviews
January 30, 2016
This book got me so worked up! One minute I couldn't put it down. The next minute I was throwing it across the room. I HATE this guy!!!

What I want to know is what happened to Maryann? Why isn't anybody talking about her? Yes, she was foolish to go back to this judge but she was desperate! I know many women who have been in the same position. Betrayal at the hands of someone you love is bad enough but she trusted this man as her personal attorney. What he did to her is unforgiveable.

This is a great story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't help being impressed with the way these two women kept their sense of humor through all this. Madore keeps the laughs going right up to the end.

The one disappointment I had with the book was that Nancy Madore never got back in touch with Maryann. What Maryann needs most right now is a good friend! We all do things we regret but I think these two women have a deep bond. It is rare to find the kind of sense of humor that these two women have. It would be a tragedy to let this terrible man ruin that friendship forever.
Profile Image for Erin Miller.
3 reviews
December 30, 2015
I live in Maine so I know of this judge. I remember hearing something about some trouble he was in a few years ago but I had no idea that all this was going on. Why isn't anyone doing anything about it? This is an outrage. I admire the courage of this woman for writing about it. She has a wonderful attitude and a good sense of humor. I like the way she put the court documents right on her website for the whole world to see. It sounds like she has quite a battle ahead of her. I wish her the best. I will certainly not be voting for this buffoon in the coming election! The Ethics of Judge Nadeau
Profile Image for Valerie Blankenship.
2 reviews
February 4, 2016
The first thing that got me was the writing. Madore's writing style is captivating. I literally couldn't put the book down. I kept thinking, one more chapter. I liked her straight forward, conversational manner as she's telling this incredible story.

The story itself is hard to swallow. My first instinct was to reject it. In fact, this troubled me so much that I actually started digging through the 'court documents' Madore posted online. For any other doubters out there, I recommend the deposition of Robert Nadeau marked DEPO3. This document, all by itself, proves Madore's case, which is why I included the link to it above.

While Madore is telling her story, she seems to be analyzing her own part in it. "It’s amazing how even the shortest reprieve from hopelessness can bring about the most incredible joy," she writes about her own attempt to 'escape from the pain' of the situation she found herself in. Her insights on human behavior were dead on. I found myself looking for her next epiphany.

She writes: "I once read that we are all insane to one degree or another. The psychologist who wrote this theorized that a person’s sanity could actually be measured by their level of commitment to the truth. In that psychologist’s opinion, people who strive after truth are less crazy than those who are perfectly content to base their existence on lies. I don’t know if this is true or not. Truth often brings incredible pain and I’ve noticed that denial can be a very comforting thing. But my experience, as a person who has a deep regard for the truth, is that once you get through that pain, a myriad of new doors will open. And these doors can lead to real joy for those who dare to venture through them." Madore's life, as she describes it in this book, seems to attest to this. She has a great attitude that seems to get better as the book progresses.

I can see how some readers might find this a difficult story to get through. Judge Nadeau's behavior defies belief. I kept asking myself, how is this guy still allowed in court? It makes the whole legal profession look bad. And Madore spares no one. She tells it like it is. She claims she is looking for accountability. I, for one, hope she gets it.
73 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2015
Interesting

This was a little drawn out sometimes in the court rooms. Although that just showed how much Nadeau knew how to play the system.
3 reviews
March 18, 2016
This book is just plain fun to read. I don't even know how to describe it. It claims to be a true story but it's pretty incredible. True or not, it's pure entertainment from start to finish. There are a few things that would have really bothered me if not for Madore's writing style, which kept me turning the pages even when I wanted to scream. The first thing was that there is just too much to absorb. We get it. The judge breaks ever rule in the rule book and even some that haven't been thought of yet. Point taken. The world is corrupt. We know. But like I said, Madore's humor forces you to suffer through it with her. The second bothersome thing was the ending. Even though Madore had me laughing right up to the end, I was left feeling empty inside. Now I have to stalk this woman to find out what happens. praying for a sequel.
Profile Image for Frances Mackey.
2 reviews
February 29, 2016
This book was a riot. I liked the author's sense of humor. It's a good thing too, because I don't think I would've made it to the end of this book if I wasn't enjoying the writing so much. The "true" story is so unbelievable that it has the feel of a marvel comic. The bad guy is really that bad. The only problem is that he never gets the satisfactory butt kicking that he would have get if this actually were a marvel comic. I didn't do any checking up on this guy like the other readers whose reviews I read, so I can't say whether the book is really true or not. It certainly did offer some interesting eye openers about our judicial system. Funny and educational. You can't get any better than that.
1 review
Read
February 18, 2016
https://maddannouncer.wordpress.com/
I've seen the exhibits found in this link above. They are genuine. And I know some of these folks. "Mary Ann" and Madore do not appear to be friends judging by the contents of that link. Barnes and Noble dropped the book -- it's not there; she is being sued for defamation. Mary Ann wanted her to pull the book. Feel free to read from this link; it will add context. Her meanness makes me so sad. Thank you for reading the link.
1 review
March 31, 2022
Great book. Shook me to my core. I love the writing. Funny, easy to follow....I'm gonna start giving these to some other Maine Bar members, so they can feel the deserved shame. Not that they would. I was hoping for a different ending, but it represents all of us who have bled via Maine courts. Well done ladies.
3 reviews
August 1, 2016
This book has it all, sex, lies, corruption and lots of laughs. Its as disturbing as it is hilarious. I don't know which is crazier, the judge or the oblivious court system. It just goes to show how broken things are. I am most impressed by this author. It takes a lot of talent to make this funny and that is just what she did.
Profile Image for Bonnie Candors.
2 reviews
March 18, 2016
This was amazing, funny, disturbing, bizarre... the list just goes on and on. One things for sure, that you won't get bored.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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