MEDIA ON JAABLOG, ALEMAN
Categories: Finkelstein, Lynch, Aleman, DRoss, Levenson
It's been quite a week for our little internet experiment. It's unfortunate that the gossip thing seems to be our main claim to fame, but I guess that's just human nature, and, as they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity. Really, anything that draws eyes to this site is a good thing, because the real message will eventually get out, if people take the time to read carefully and critically.
Let's face it. Broward Courts are out of control. JAABLOG didn't create this, the judges have done it all by themselves (Korda, Greene, Aleman, Seidlin, Ross, the Wheel, etc.) The fact is there is now a communication medium that allows the public (and the mass media) to know in real time if a judge has violated the judicial canons of ethics, or even broken the law. It's great for the community, which always needs more responsible jurists, and tough luck for judges in Broward, who I believe do not feel accountable to the community, because no one ever dares to run against them in open elections (after they have been appointed through a secretive, politically controlled nominating process).
As for negativity? Why not comport themselves like judges and stop providing grist for the mill? Why not stop appointing judges and General Magistrates that are related to or intimate friends of sitting judges? Why not come to the negotiating table and answer the many, many positive calls for change featured in this blog? (check the archives for requests for sunshine meetings, rotation of judges, adding additional magistrate hearings, spotlighting the jail overcrowding issues that, fortunately, led to the intense media coverage that reduced the jail population, our calls for open judicial elections, etc., etc.). The judges, and particularly their 17 year leader, Dale Ross, have insulated themselves to the point that any constructive criticism or calls for change are "negative". How can a system that has become a statewide laughingstock categorize calls for change as "negative"?! Is it possible that the judges are treating calls for reform as nothing more than a challenge to their personal authority?
Lastly, and most importantly, I hope new visitors to this blog understand that Broward's broken system has horrific effects on our poorest communities. I don't think any one individual planned it or intended it, but I believe Broward's criminal justice system could be categorized as suffering from what some people call institutional racism or classism, based on the fact that Broward's judges traditionally send poor, nonviolent individuals to prison at twice the rate per capita of Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties (see "Replay" post for stats). Again, I have repeatedly called for Judges and State Attorneys, etc. to post on this blog to try and fix these major problems through an open, even-handed dialogue, to no avail. Maybe now that we have gained a little public exposure, someone will step forward.
Bill Gelin
SENTINEL:
"Broward court blog is going too far, critics claim":
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-cblog13may13,0,2783953.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines
HERALD:
"Gossipy blog dishes dirt on judicial crowd":
http://www.miamiherald.com/467/story/104379.html
Bogenschutz Strikes Again - 2 of the 5 Charges Against Aleman Dropped:
http://www.miamiherald.com/467/story/104443.html
Happy Mother's Day JAAB!
I agree in part and disagree in part. Quick, in under five seconds, see if you can say the anacronym jaab stands for.
What both articles say about JAAB are good. It's coverage, often times the first, has already contributed positively by having brought the daily goings on of the Courthouse Scene to public attention. This it seems to me will bring more positive change to the problems than all the nail biting and calling foul by judges affected. Mop the floors of the courthouse of past mistakes and get with the flow of positive current to change definitively the negative course you wittingly or unwittingly have caused. We have great judges too. Won't the good judges step forward and change the course of this constant battle between the political elements of the judiciary, and those judges who just want to fulfill their oaths of office to administer justice. Broward will return to honor, it may take a new administration though.
Good job Sprinkles. The Sentinel story seems to hinge on Conway and your dirty trix. Way to go dummy, now its time for you to go.
People are stepping forward. You have Lynch and Levinson telling it like it is. Quite different quotes when compared to Ross' blunder the other day. Not to mention Haddad's statement. Vintage Fred, but it comes from the heart. What's it going to take to wake up this Ross and buddies?
Are we suffering more from global warming here in Broward? There's a judicial meltdown of our judiciary and they refer to it as unwarranted critisism of sorts? Boy, they really are out of touch. Really feeble excuses Ross for what's been going on around here.
"It has a very brutal and nasty way of saying things sometimes," Lynch said. "But you know, this is America, and I love the First Amendment."
Don't you think its brutal and nasty to max people out after trial as Ross would routinely do no matter what the facts?
Is Ross really saying, I'm gonna put all the blame on someone else, I'm not responsible for any of this, and anybody that says anything different is undermining my authority? Gee whiz. That's what I read from all this.
No. He's saying I guess this is what I get for letting all these judges act with equal immunity to any critisism and run amok during my impeccable administration. What do you think he's saying dummy.
Lynch says "sometimes" in his quote. I guess other times JAAB is bringing matters to the foreground of debate to institute positive change? Oh, yeah, that must be it. That must be it!
I support this blog 100% and it is about time for people to open their eyes against this type of cronyism and what injustice this is causing. BROWARD COUNTY IS DUE TO A DRAMTIC CHANGE. FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF COURSE. NOT FOR THE WEALTHY POLITICIANS AND THEIR FAMILIES!
I'd use the word nasty to describe what Ross and company have done to this courthouse.
Interesting to look at the public's view of the current sitution. Here is the link to the Sun Sentinels comments, some are strong, yet they reflect frustration. Happy to see some nice words written about a few judges.
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/south-florida-sun-sentinel/TIR2VJJ45LGBN9JK8
You gotta paste those comments on the blog. The clouds are gathering and the rainy season is about to commence with some of the judges in this circuit. The bright ones will get out of the rain. The stupid ones will get soaked.
Every Judge serving was appointed After I came to Broward in 1977.Im one of the Senior trial lawyers in Broward .This blog is great for self reflection we are all members of the same family .Introspection is great. few observations ..many of you know Fenster and FaerberPa..Jesse and I have been president of everything in the courthouse so here are some suggestions.First ..Fix the front door !.Please replace the front entry doors so they stay open.Fire the asssecurity co that runs it now they are discourteous and disrepectfull to Attys and members of CH staff.KEEP THE ATTORNEYS LINE OPEN TILL 10AM.Do something to illiminate the wait.By the time we get to the hearings we are sweaty and offended by the security.Civil judges need to read all motions before motion calendar be as prepared as the attorneys should be.BE PATIENT with young attorneys and give them a reason to RESPECT YOUR JUDICIAL INTELLECT.Remember they have sat in the sun in their suits for 20 mins and were groped by the jerks at the front door and were squeezed between 2 fat ladies in the elevator.The judges who are tired and I understand need to retire( I dont know how many of you have lasted so long)Be prepared to keep every trial in your division and to read all pretrial briefs and for heaven sakeENFORCE YOUR PRETRIAL ORDERS STRICTLY no fabre defendants the day of trialInvite endless motions.If you are burnt out or seeing a shrink because of it become a mediator..Ask mark purdy for a job and make room for new blood .Hey Im 59 and have a problem getting to your hearings !The three judges in the extensive trial division..They are all great David Charley Tom we may not always agree I do repect your intellect and experience.Your division has become detrimental to the Circuit for many reasons.If you want to be the judge KEEP ALL THE MOTIONS ONCE THE CASE IS TRANSFERED.If you dont do that how do you have a sense ofthe case?You dont.Go back to your own dockets and as they say in the movie Move it Movit.We have created a paradise for insurance defense attys.You are placing the plainfiff at a huge disadvantage .Why do you think there are fewer Jury cases and more defense verdicts.Endless continuencesyour Judical practices invite are not in the interest of justice.Last Im thinking you guys are getting a bum wrap for fridays.Setspecial hearings on Fridays instead of asking attys to wait 2 mos or let them do a Summary Judgements on motion calendar.Sadly going to the Broward courthouse is worse than traveling to the airport ..We need to changethat. Many of my collegues in Palm Beach ask me about why the judgesin Broward are so bad.The benchneeds a field trip.ORDER,,,, BROWARD JUDGES SHALL APPEAR AT MOTION CALENDAR IN PALM BEACH . The difference is palpable .We are a great Circuit Dale you need to exercise leadership..954-473-1500..Call e Ill tell you what I think.
This blog has gone too far? I think the judges of this circuit have gone too far. It's their actions that have turned public scorn towards them. Their blame game is pathetic. Face up judges, you are now going to be held accountable to the public you serve and at whos pleasure you serve. This will all come back to haunt you at election time. I wouldn't feel so secure if I were you. Try doing the right thing in stead of the self serving thing. You might start by having a vote of no confidence in our present Chief Judge. I don't know what he's done but bring down the mallet of public scorn on you. And we all know there are very good judges who would do a much better job than Ross. Do what's right. Do what's just. Do what represents the honorable thing to do. A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE is just the thing we need in Broward, both for the legal community and Broward County.
Bill, why are you not exposing this?
Indulge us in a little speculative fiction:
Its Morning in America again. And in Broward County too.
Morning calendar, South Satellite Courthouse, Broward County, 2021.
Chief Circuit Court Judge Lee Seidman makes one of his frequent returns to the Satellite Courthouse where he sat in as a lowly County Court Judge in the early part of the new century. Sediman has a fondness for the Courthouse, because it is where he made his name as America's leading anti-immigrant Judge. The publicity of having defendants arrested and deported propelled him to the position of Chief Circuit Court Judge. Today, one of Seidman's protégé’s is taking the bench for the first time, and Seidman wants to be on hand to help.
Forty four defendants and their families sit huddled close together in the modern courtroom. Only English is spoken. A few Defendants remain tight lipped.
Seidman waits in the hallway outside the back of the courtroom.
A dozen Jackbooted Officers dressed in black leather jackets and black pants march smartly up to Seidman. The Special Services section of the Broward Sheriffs Office, charged with assisting Judges "fulfill their constitutional oaths by investigating and arresting defendants” accompanies Judge Seidman wherever he goes. Known informally as the “SS”, the unit is feared by defendants for their ruthless interrogation techniques, concentrating on suspected illegal aliens who, in the language of the time "abuse taxpayers by demanding enforcement of rights reserved to US citizens."
The SS officers wear an insignia on their sleeve: a sharp red “SS” superimposed over a silhouette of Lady Liberty, which is encased in a circle with lightening bolts shooting from two opposite ends of the circle.
Before the calendar begins the SS officers walk quickly through the rows of seated defendants asking “Cheney Cards, please. Please have your Cheney Cards out for scanning.” The Cheney card is the national ID card all people in the US are required to carry. The law requiring National ID cards was enacted during the President Lynne Cheney/ Vice President Jenna Bush administration
The new Judge takes the bench and the clerk starts calling the cases on the traffic arraignment calendar.
When a Defendant named Gonzalez is called, a young woman with a small daughter walks fearfully to the podium with another person. The Judge begins an inquiry and the other person is whispering into Gonzalez’s ear.
Judge Seidman sitting off to the side, walks up to the bench.
The SS officers snap to attention and a hush falls over the courtroom.
Seidman takes the microphone and introduces himself and says he is here to help the new Judge. Sediman then asks Gonzalez if she speaks English.
The other person begins to interpret and with a small hand signal from Seidman, the SS walks over and forcibly removes the person from the podium.
Cont....
In halting English Gonzalez trys to say the she speaks some Engish.
Seidman interrupts: “It appears to this court that you do not speak English. Are you a US citizen?” The woman remains silent. Seidman looks to the head of his SS Unit.
"Lieutenant Schmidt, it appears to this Court that this Defendant does not speak English and may not be a US citizen. I have taken an oath as a Judge to uphold all of the laws of the State Of Florida. By the power vested in me I hereby order you to detain this woman on suspicion of being an illegal alien."
The SS officer rushes over and cuffs the woman. The young child begins to cry: Mama…Mama.
Seidman: "Lieutenant, take the child into custody as well. If her mother is illegal, so is she. " The SS unit works quickly as both the mother and child are taken from the courtroom.
Later that morning Seidman reviews the morning calendar with his new Judge:
“44 arraignments, 3 arrests for suspicion of not being a US citizen. About average. The key is engage the Defendant into conversation. If you notice an accent, or if they don’t speak English too well, then have the SS officer in the court open an investigation. If they don’t have a Cheney Card, have them taken into custody.”
Its Morning in Judge Seidman and Judge Korda's America again.
In Broward County.
North of The Border.
Where not speaking English is a crime.
See You In Court.
I have twisted with this one. Isnt a Judge supposed to enforce the laws of the law. Isnt that what they stand for, justice. When someone is here illegally, admits it and standing in a court of law, should the judge turn their back and ignore the illegality?
Are you asking the judge to become part of the illegality?
Looking back, should the broward judge have inquired as to status of Mohamed Fattah back in 1999. If the judge would have, maybe 911 could have been avoided. Remember, in most parts of the country he would be heralded as a hero, but due to the heavy immigrent status here, its viewed in a different light.
07859
while you may have a valid point,the judge should not have lied to the JNC about doing these things
it seems much worse for a judge to lie under oath when attempting to raise to another level of judgeship then to smoke a doobie in the park or cry on the bench.
Who is the one Judge that has never read the Blog?
A much different allegory: (good luck) Plato's, "The Allegory of The Cave."
Who amongst us can claim to know the light or sun? Who amongst us is so superior an intellect to claim they know all? What is dark? What is bright?
One is a fool to claim to know either -light or dark. For true wisdom comes simply with the knowledge of not truly knowing that answer. Or to think things are as easy as light or dark and that an "answer" can ever be reached.
Leading us to the allegory of the blog::
A cyber cave. Some have left and make a return. Others were never in the cave to begin with but were blinded by lights and have never since had their eyes repaired.. Some remain, ether because they choose not to want to ascend or because they are blinded by false torch holders. Many are afraid of the light. And yet others snuck into the cave and created false echoes and shapes.
Ascent from the cyber cave and with it the moral obligation to return. Darkness and readjustment to lights, forms, shapes, and shadows. So all can be try to be in the Sun. Some are still chained prisoners to the wall. Others have ascended from the cyber -cave but have forgotten their brethren still chained. Some claim accolades very much like the stone cave. Upon return to the cyber cave, even some twist the minds of others and blind the shackled prisoners; searing sight.
Unbeknownst to the most shackled of all the prisoners is his biggest advocate. One would agree, would they not, that prisoner would want true light or the best effort towards it? For he would not want to make a false accusation. And if that were true, then one who is trying to ascend would bear no animosity towards the shackled prisoner’s mistake because he knew all along he was being blinded unfairly. The irony of the side fire is on.
Categorically, are not all cyber-caves at a minimum a great effort to see the light? For if you do not believe in a blog, you must want to remain in the dark. That would be irrational. Yet, with return to the cyber-cave cannot come a torchbearer intent on blinding others. Not all are like that but certainly there are some. Most have pure hearts. Some do not. Life has not changed at all, on Earth let alone Broweird, since the days of Plato.
What's with Broward Judges and ASA's not reinstating Defendant's on stupid VOP violations? When did this become a Broward policy? Fighting tooth and nail for a reinstatement; Then finally getting it, with a special condition of jail time.
Let's talk about wasting tax payers dollars.
Way to go JAAB!!!
*We are making a difference.
*The papers would have never given a damn about our concerns before.
*Liz Sherer does suck in trial and Satz would never do anything about it. Contrary to the prosecutors who comment on here, she is icy, unfriendly and is fortunate to have a rich influential father.
*Levenson is a great judge and a good person.
*Sprinkles has been doing the deed at Motel 6 (wink wink). Catch Channel 7 monday night.
*Has anyone ever seen Dale Ross and Stacy Ross at the same place at the same time? Hmmm...
*Please God, let the Supreme Court toss Aleman, while also removing Holmes's enormous, arrogant ego.
Nice job Roman, except your writing is so dense and self-indulgent that no one reads past the first line. Is it true that your family is tight with Lynch, Spechler and the rest of the Hollywood elite? Is this how you came into the courthouse as a young punk and got thousands of appointments, in addition to the $35,000 Schreiber gave you? Did many judges and Schreiber end up spending a lot of time in your luxury box at the AA arena?
Why are you so jealous? Why don't you fight injustice and uphold the law, as you swore to do? How much money do you need you greedy person you? Face it, the days of crony are gone and I doubt we'll see much of you after next October, until you work all your connections to make your 140 as a county court 9-3:00 judge.
STOP RACISM
Nice job Dale. Now all of Broward and Miami will actually read this blob because you spun the papers that it's gossipy and vile. Hello - this is Howard Stern's America, people want vile! Instead of showing the world what it is - a booring legal discussion blob, people will now tune in for real. Hire a new PR firm Dale. You need major help.
It seems as though a person's name has been injected into the forum who chose not do enter it. That would include Mr. Dutko and Ms. Scherer amongst many.
AND EVERY SINGLE CLIENT ON THE ARREST SHEETS!!!
Sure that's a benefit to private lawyers, but do you think my clients or any of ours want less or more cyber exposure. How many times have you had a client crying in your office b/c their mug shot was on BSO's website. So, if JAAB is truly an organization, maybe those who actually represent people and ADVOCATE for them, it would seem that posting such violates the mission statement.
It is a phenomenal service for lawyers! Thanks. Horrible for the accused.
It seems hypocritical but also does not. The intent is to help attorneys with the arrest sheets. The effect is to further harm arestees by piling on.
Dear 1:45: On today, and on this date only will I anwer your questions:
To be brief: No.
Isn't it great when people pull stuff from thin air and try to deceive people? Who is on the board? Hmmm... Let's click to the page with the board members on it and list of members names. Who rarely use theirs.
The Separation of Powers Doctrine precludes a judge from doing so. If law enforcement chooses to not to enforce something, it's not the judiciarie's role to enforce it. I think I learned that in 1L. Sorry, civics.
Where did you compose this at capones sucking a Shirley Temple down? This is purely personnel. Were you banged up when you thought this sh** was relevent? Did she kick your a$$ deeeeefense lawyer at some time in the past? You a trial gun stud?
Tommy was a a great public defender and his legecy is still alive in the office amoungnst the old crew. Ross on the other hand is a holdover from the Tyson, Futch, old Kaplan, Grossman, Carney, Dimilatreuos, Demoorsian, Cahn, Reasbeck, ect... You young turks don't know how bad it used to be.
Old Warriors.... Who did I miss amoungoust the old judiciary who were really holes? Let's hear it? I know I missed some real monsters? And these these young dickwads cry on this blog......
We on JAAB doubt that she has ever kicked anyone's ass in trial.
Last week's comments indicate that she has blown a couple big one's of late.
Don't really know her though (she never says hello even when we are the only ones in the elevator).
If she has ever said "hello" to a defense lawyer please let JAAB know.
keep rock'n "ice princess"...
The defense lawyer representing the illegal, after shaking down the poor wife for his fee of $1,000.00 for some simple a$$ misdomeanor who he just was going to plea out, without taking taking depos or doing a damn thing by way of discovery gets indignent. Siedman then becomes the monster. The wife then asks the deeefense lawyer why his promise of getting her illegal hubby out of jail hasn't happened... What a scam? Up the fees and hope you can recupe your losses private lawyer bow............
Hey !!!!!!!!!!! Private shirts !!! Do you think it is ok with defendants to get a letter from some jerk lawyer with one year experience whose wife finds a solisitation letter from a esq., advising her husband has been busted for solisiting for prostitution. Alot of money in the divorse litigation, huh fellas?
GREAT to see civil lawyers making thier way to this blog.
Remember, the problems in the CH don't just effect the Criminal Defense Lawyers (e.g. Aleman is now doing civil!).
The more voices the better!
I have no idea who she is, so no one is talking for me.
ANONYMOUS (above^)
Its clear from all of your posts (you have the same misspellings in each) that you are anti free enterprise and have been living off of the government nipple ( State attorney's Office) for far too long.
Your meager paycheck is delivered without fail to your account once per month.
I want to personally apologize to you for being industrious and making a good living.
Your pitiful life based on government work will never change.
Perhaps you can look forward to the day that Michael Satz gives you that parking space in the judge's garage.
Hey bill !!! Hey Jeff !! You guys ever try any real grizzly cases? Ever stand in front of a jury on a bright Monday morning and Wetherspoon a jury about whether or not they could kill a guy if they found him guilty? How many times you do this? 2 or 3 or 5 or 10? I think Jeff and Bill have done this 4 and 10 times respectively. I could be wrong, maybe I missed your hard hitting legal representation over the years. How many Capitol Rapes?, Armed Kidnappings? ROC Court cases? SCHRIEBER TOOK CARE OF BOTH OF YOU. Bill.. Can you hook me up with a free meatloaf sandwich from Boston Market? Or did daddy sell it and now you can spend his millions and fiddle around with this gossip column? When are both of you, Jeff and Bill, going to become real lawyers and not wanna be polititians like you are sounding to me. You want to change the judiciaray? Run for the God@amn office yourself. Don't look to us. Jeff you have alot of money, don't bul$%hit anyone. Bill.. daddy has tons. Put your a$$ out there, we real lawyers do it everyday.... Put your money where your mouth is..... I represnet people who are ging to the death chamber or a steel cage forever...you run for office.. you both you would good in a dress .. a pink one. YOU MAKE ME SICK. Neither of you guys paid any dues.
I agree with your statements regarding the security at all the entries. Wackenhut should be fired. They are totally discourteous.
HOW BOUT THIS NOVEL AND INGENIOUS CONCEPT.............DONT PLEA EM!! DOES ANYBODY AROUND HERE HAVE A CLUE THAT, DESPITE FORMER DICTATOR DALE'S POLICY OF VIOLATING EVERY DEFENDANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE OR DEGREE OF THE ALLEGATIONS, THEY ARE OFTEN TRIABLE. FOR A MOMENT, LETS PUT ASIDE THE NEEDLESS TO SAY,O'CONNER AND ROSS TYPES THAT HAVE NEVER OR WILL NEVER FIND THAT AN ALLEGED TECHNICAL VOP MUST BE PROVEN AS 'WILL AND SUBSTANSTIAL?I CAN COUNT THE NUMBER OF DEFENSE GUYS WHO ACTUALLT DENY A ONE COUNT TECHNICAL FOR A HOUSE ARREST FAILURE TO BE AT THE DESIGNATED LOCATION AT THE APPRORIATE TIME. GUES WHAT? THERE IS SUFICIENT CASELAW THAT HAS CONSISTENTLY HELD THAT THESE TYPES OF VIOLATIONS, ARE OFTEN NOT, AT LEAST ON THE SURFACE, ENOUGH TO SHOW A "SUBSTANTIAL" VIOLATION...NEVER MIND WILLFULL!! YOU CAN BLAME YOURSELFS FOR NOT GETTING OFF YOUR LAZY ASSES AND TRYING THEM AND, I KNOW THIS SOUNDS OUTRAGEOUS...ACTUALLY CITING THE CASE LAW TO THE COURT!! MORE OFTEN THAN NOT,90% OF THE BROWARD DEFENSE BAR SEEKS REINSTATEMENT BUT, GOD FORBID, THEY GO TO BAT AND TRY THE DAMN THINGS!THOSE OF YOU WHO CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT YOU ROUNTINELY DENY THE TECHNICAL ALLEGATIONS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN!! TRY IT SOMETIME!! YA SEE, WHEN YOU CALL A "JUDGE" A TERM I USE LOOSELY, ON THEIR SHIT...SOMETIMES YOU DONT GET PUSHED AROUND LIKE A FREAKIN PUSSY...TRY IT SOMETIME....WORKS FOR ME!