Chris Piazza
American lawyer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christopher C. Piazza is a Division 2 judge of the Arkansas Sixth Circuit.[2]
Chris Piazza | |
|---|---|
| Division 2 judge of the Arkansas Sixth Circuit | |
| Assumed office 1990 | |
| Prosecuting attorney of the Arkansas Sixth Circuit[1] | |
| In office 1985–1990[1] | |
| Preceded by | W. C. Bentley |
| Succeeded by | Mark Stodola |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Democratic (Non Partisan)[2] |
Notable rulings
Wright v. Arkansas
On May 9, 2014, Piazza ruled the ban on same-sex marriage in the state of Arkansas was unconstitutional, which legalized same-sex marriage in the state.[3]
Arkansas Department of Human Services v. Cole
On April 16, 2010, Piazza overturned Arkansas Act 1 in the case of Arkansas Department of Human Services v. Cole which makes it illegal for any individuals cohabiting outside of a valid marriage to adopt or provide foster care to minors.[4] The ruling was upheld unanimously by the Arkansas Supreme Court on April 7, 2011.[5]
Electoral history
1984
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Chris Piazza | 36,782 | 52.79 | |
| Democratic | Mark Stodola | 32,891 | 47.21 | |
| Total votes | 69,673 | 100 | ||
1990
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Chris Piazza | 43,331 | 74.74 | |
| Democratic | John Choate | 14,643 | 25.26 | |
| Total votes | 57,974 | 100 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Chris Piazza | 43,206 | 50.11 | |
| Republican | Hayward Battle | 22,786 | 26.43 | |
| No party preference | Henry Osterloh | 20,226 | 23.46 | |
| Total votes | 43,338 | 100 | ||
2014
Chris Piazza is running for re-election to the Sixth Circuit. He is running unopposed in the general election for the Sixth Circuit on May 20, 2014.[2]
Appointments
Piazza was appointed by Bill Clinton, during his time as Arkansas governor, to chair a panel that was drafting state ethics legislation. Due to this appointment, Piazza recused himself from a later case to disbar Clinton.[7]