Introduction to the Disciplinary Complaints
Three judges serving in Broward County have caught the attention of the Florida Supreme Court, and not in a good way. They’re either receiving or being recommended for suspension, with the most recent suspension ordered by the court Thursday. Two of the judges violated the rules about campaigning for office, and a third admits he sometimes cracks what he calls “bad jokes” that others found offensive.
Background on the Judges
Before he was elected to the bench in 2022, Gary Farmer Jr. was a state senator, free to express himself as a politician could. Once he donned the black robe of a circuit judge, the Florida Supreme Court has held, a different standard applies. The Judicial Qualifications Commission, which recommends discipline to the court, claims that doesn’t include telling a defendant expecting three children from three mothers to wear a condom at all times — even in jest. Or, after assigning him a female attorney, telling him not to get her pregnant.
Nor could those judicial canons allow one to make jokes about gay sex or a deputy’s long eyelashes, calling her “girl.”
Charges Against the Judges
What Farmer called bad jokes were actually “inappropriate, undignified, or degrading,” the JQC found, in recommending to the court that Farmer be suspended immediately indefinitely without pay while it continues proceedings against him. Farmer responded this week, saying he has learned his lesson and that a suspension while he fights the charges was uncalled for. The Florida Supreme Court will be the judge of that, just as it Thursday ordered a 10-day suspension without pay for Broward County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen. She was disciplined for accusing her 2022 election opponent of fraud without evidence and reported a church where her opponent campaigned to the IRS to challenge its tax-exempt status. The court also said it would publicly reprimand her.
Additional Disciplinary Actions
Also agreeing this week to a 10-day suspension: Circuit Judge Stefanie Moon who, questioned a lawyer from the bench about why he didn’t respond to her call seeking campaign help. Moon also admitted making unallowed political donations and contacting on her own a future witness in a case, which the court found improper. She also consented to a public reprimand. Calls to Moon, Levey Cohen and Farmer seeking comment have not been returned.
Prevalence of Disciplinary Actions
While it’s unusual to have three judges from one circuit facing discipline like this all at once, there are more than 90 judges in Broward, 10% of the statewide total and the most of any circuit outside Miami-Dade.
Conclusion
The disciplinary complaints against the three Broward judges serve as a reminder of the high standards that judges must uphold. The actions of these judges, while perhaps intended as jokes or political maneuvering, have been deemed inappropriate and unbecoming of their positions. As the Florida Supreme Court continues to review these cases, it is clear that the judiciary will not tolerate behavior that undermines the integrity of the court.
FAQs
- Q: How many judges in Broward County are facing disciplinary complaints?
A: Three judges are facing disciplinary complaints. - Q: What were the nature of the complaints against Judge Gary Farmer Jr.?
A: Judge Farmer was accused of making inappropriate jokes, including telling a defendant to wear a condom at all times and making jokes about gay sex. - Q: What was the disciplinary action taken against Judge Mardi Levey Cohen?
A: Judge Levey Cohen was suspended for 10 days without pay and will be publicly reprimanded for accusing her election opponent of fraud without evidence. - Q: How common is it for multiple judges from one circuit to face discipline at the same time?
A: It is unusual for multiple judges from one circuit to face discipline at the same time, but Broward County has a large number of judges, which may contribute to the likelihood of multiple cases arising.
