Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaNovember 10, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court has ordered that a Broward County circuit judge come before it for a public reprimand. In a unanimous order released Thursday, the court also directed Circuit Judge John Patrick Contini to write a letter of apology, undergo judicial mentoring, complete a mental health program, and pay administrative costs. He was brought up on judicial […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 3, 2016

On Thursday, the Judicial Qualifications Commission issued an amended notice of formal charges against Jacksonville Judge Mark Hulsey. Hulsey has been accused of a variety of horrible deeds and words, including language and actions that express major racial and gender bias. In spite of this, Hulsey won re-election in August, albeit after a recount. The amended […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 19, 2016

Despite the specter of an investigation by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission for alleged racist and sexist statements from the bench, along with alleged overworking of staff, Judge Mark Hulsey won his battle for re-election on Aug. 30. Even so, he has another battle ahead of him. Hulsey’s final evidentiary hearing commences on the morning of […]

Jim RosicaAugust 9, 2016

A Jacksonville judge has formally denied allegations he made racially biased and other derogatory comments off the bench, including calling a female attorney the “c-word.” Late Monday, Circuit Judge Mark Hulsey III filed a written response to judicial misconduct charges against him. He also asked for a separate investigation into a leak of the case before it became […]

Jim RosicaJuly 20, 2016

A Jacksonville judge facing misconduct proceedings is fighting back, saying the allegations against him are false and “dirty political tactics.” Among other violations, Circuit Judge Mark Hulsey III was charged Wednesday with reportedly making racially biased and other derogatory comments off the bench. (Previous story here.) One accusation had him referring to a woman attorney by using a vulgar term […]

Jim RosicaJuly 20, 2016

A Jacksonville judge now faces judicial misconduct proceedings for reportedly making racially biased and other derogatory comments off the bench, among other charges. They include referring to a woman attorney by using a vulgar term for female genitalia. The state’s Judicial Qualifications Commission filed its notice of formal charges against Circuit Judge Mark Hulsey III on Wednesday. The commission investigates […]

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court is signaling it agrees with the proposed punishment for a Broward judge. A panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission had recommended a public reprimand, mentoring and stress management classes after Circuit Judge John Patrick Contini was brought up on judicial conduct charges last year. The court issued an order to Contini on […]

Jim RosicaJune 10, 2016

A judicial discipline panel has recommended a public reprimand and 90-day suspension for a judge who “circulated a deceptive, misleading advertisement.” Its members also suggested paranoia on the part of Circuit Judge Kimberly Shepard, who believed “sinister forces (were) at work” trying to defeat her, they said. Shepard, who sits in Osceola County, ran for office and won […]

Martin DyckmanJune 10, 2016

Assume that Pam Bondi were a judge. That’s a dismal prospect but bear with it. Assume further that she asked for a campaign contribution from a big shot businessman who was being sued in her court — and that after getting the money, she dismissed the case. If she was a judge, instead of Florida’s […]

Jim RosicaMay 13, 2016

Sometimes, respecting the rules of the game means you have to lose. That was the message delivered Friday at an ethics forum for judicial candidates held in Tallahassee. Similar events were held around the state this week. Current and retired judges and others briefed several area contenders for judgeships on Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct, which also […]

Tag: Judicial Qualifications Commission

Broward judge who ‘personified incivility’ to receive reprimand

‘Probable cause’ for formal proceedings against foul-mouthed Jacksonville judge, redux

Mark Hulsey hearing with Judicial Qualifications Commission set for Feb. 6

Jax judge denies calling woman lawyer ‘c-word’

Mark Hulsey fires back, says ‘dirty political tactics’ at play

Jax judge accused of calling female attorney “c-word”

Supreme Court could reprimand judge over ‘undignified conduct’

Judge could be suspended for ‘deceptive’ campaign flier

Martin Dyckman: Pam Bondi’s mess too pungent to ignore

Judicial candidates schooled on campaign ethics