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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A 3rd District judge whose berating of a deer hunter in court prompted a Web site for her ouster and was not re-elected is being placed on administrative leave.
Judge Leslie Lewis' will be on administrative leave for the remainder of her term in office. Lewis has spent the past week off from scheduled hearings, following the suggestion of fellow judges.
Lewis had the option to remain on the bench through the end of the year.
Lewis gained notoriety shortly before the election when a video of her berating a man in an illegal hunting case was posted on the Internet.
While the case involved poaching, which is illegal, Lewis said she was prejudiced against "people who kill deer" and recused herself.
Chief Justice Christine Durham issued an order Friday granting Lewis' request.
Applications for Lewis' seat are being accepted until Dec. 15. A 3rd District nominating commission will recommend five candidates to Gov. Jon Huntsman, who will pick one and send the nomination to the Senate.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
