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What constitutes "conduct unbecoming a member of the
judiciary demonstrating a present unfitness to hold office" or conduct warranting
discipline? Monthly, the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) Investigative
Panel through small group dynamics grapples to apply the above issue to different cases of
alleged facts of charges pursuant to the JQC's mandate in Article V, Section 12 of the
Florida Constitution.
In 1998, based on my personal notes, the JQC's Investigative Panel filed formal charges
against seven judges (one appellate, three circuit and three county court judges). In
addition, the JQC recommended involuntary retirement for a judge who had a permanent
disability that seriously interfered with the performance of judicial duties.
The general nature of the formal charges were:
A pattern of abusive and improper judicial demeanor towards litigants and
attorneys;
A pattern of abuse of contempt powers and rudeness to litigants, court personnel,
fellow judges, attorneys and possible extortion;
Probable cause that judge committed a misdemeanor;
A pattern of rude, foolish and intemperate remarks after prior admonishment by a
member of the JQC;
Abuse of judicial office by interfering with grievance proceedings;
Giving false information to a police officer and failing to disclose or report a
crime;
Abuse of judicial power by
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