A group of Broward County criminal defense lawyers have created a ruckus by starting a blog that reports what the lawyers consider abuse and misconduct by judges.
The blog not only reports what the attorneys consider misconduct, it also encourages people to run against judges it deems unfit.
Naturally, many judges are not happy with the new blog, but that doesn't mean it doesn't serve a useful purpose.
For years, many judges have been abusive to plaintiffs and defendants with the knowledge that there was little the abused could do about it. But documenting comments and behaviors that skirt the rules of ethics give attorneys--and voters who elect judges--new information with which to make better decisions come election time.
Some examples reported:
In February, the state Judicial Qualifications Commission filed charges against Judge Aleman, alleging that she "engaged in a pattern of arrogant, discourteous and impatient conduct."
That same month, during a bail hearing, Judge Ross said a black defendant charged with violating a noise ordinance was "playing that atrocious rap music on a boom box."
Also in February, Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin became the object of national ridicule for his handling of the Anna Nicole Smith body-custody case. Then Circuit Judge Lawrence Korda was charged with smoking pot in a Hollywood, Fla., park and took a leave of absence.
The blog is found here.
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