BULLSH*T
Cheryl Aleman Back In The Spotlight (Sentinel)SENTINEL:
FL BAR FINDS PC THAT SEAN CONWAY'S COMMENTS ABOUT ALEMAN MAY HAVE VIOLATED RULES:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flblawyer1212sbdec13,0,3203146.story?coll=sofla_tab01_layout
SENTINEL COMMENTS:
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/south-florida-sun-sentinel/TFNV9T43FF5SEC2EJ
Conway, a former Broward assistant public defender now in private practice, said Wednesday he feels justified in his comments.
"She was giving people one week to prepare for trial and as soon as the blog exposed it through powerful words she stopped it," he said. "And that's why I stand by what I did. Sometimes the language the bar approves of doesn't get the job done."...
"She is clearly unfit for her position and knows not what it means to be a neutral arbiter," Conway wrote in his commentary.
That posting on Jaablog, a courthouse weblog created a year ago to examine Broward County judges' performances and legal issues, is protected speech, says Conway's attorney, Fred Haddad.
"There's absolutely no reason that politicians, and that's all judges are here in Broward County, aren't open to criticism," Haddad said. "We've got a [Florida Bar] grievance committee that can't even conceptualize the First Amendment. You're dealing with a group of people that are entrenched in protecting each other."
Mr Conway, Its about time that someone spoke their mind and told the truth.
She is so pathetic as a judge. Whats preventing her from voluntarily stepping down, except her arogance.
What ever happened to the first amendmenT?
Conway gets my commendation for standing up to an obviously troubled judge. If there are more lawyers who speak their minds the country would be a better place.
I predicted this on the Aleman thread just a week ago.
Good to know that whatever the head bloggers don't agree with must somehow be "bullsh*t".
752, if you dont agree with the article then move to North Korea. There can be no dilution of our first ammnd rights, even if it is a judge. People like you are why this country was founded. Think hard about yourself, are you caught in a whirlwind of anger propulgated by a few who have lost their edge, or is this what you really want?
Like no one saw this coming after the bar requested all final responses from Haddad after 6 months right at the eve of Aleman's trial. This is going to get National Headlines. Constitutional Scholars from around the National will be jumping in on this one. Rememberance of why we were given a 1st ammend right of free speech against even those who were wrting and imposing the laws. After all, who should know the judge better then the lawyer who practices before that judge. Conway and Haddad will get tremendous National Press coverage, as will Aleman and the Broward County Judiciary. Although Aleman's may not be in that much of a positive light which will come back at her next election. People will learn about this blog and it will grow in popularity through readership. Broward County will be exposed as to what goes on in that Courthouse, as the public should know for election decisions. The final result will not be that Conway loses his law license, which it should not be. After all, what he said is nothing in comparison to the acts which have placed the Broward Judges in the news during the last 12 months. They are mad about everything being brought into the open for all to read.
Fred nailed it. These are a group of people entrenched in protecting each other.
Sean Conway is a great lawyer and Cheryl Aleman is a lousy judge. That's all there is to it. Too bad they can never own up to their mistakes. It's only the public that pays, right?
They are stoopid to force this. More headlines for Browerd. Do they hate Aleman too?
Well guys heres the propblem.Kudos to my friend Mr Conway for his remarks about the Judge.It would be ok as a private citizen but the problem is that attorneys owe some obligation to work within the rules of the bar.There has been enough said about judge aleman..the attorneys challenging her did in on the record before her and the 4th DCA.We must improve the public image of Broward Judges .Vic Tobin is trying.Once you accept the rules of the bar as a condition of practice we AGREE TO PROTECT THE SYSTEM.God Knows we have taken hits and need to restore the integrity of the Browad bench.Wanna attack um do it to their face on the record.
Gee, Raticoff can call her a "constitutional anti-christ" and that's ok?
people (ATTORNEY'S) have called her and other judges worse things than that - and Conway's speech was done to expose her violating a Rule of Criminal Procedure.
What's worse - they (the Bar) knew of the Federal opinion and STILL issued this crap. So, when Conway & Haddad win in Fed Ct., WE (THE BAR MBRS.) WILL BE PAYING BACK THEIR ACCRUED LEGAL FEES!!! Thanks Bar. I'll remember this when it comes time for you all (us) to pay their bill.
I am sick and tired of the Florida Bar violating our rights and threatening us with sanctions that could be impacting on our careers.
The Florida Bar is nothing more than a power hungry organization that takes pleasure in trying to instill fear in lawyers and attempting to protect the public by making them believe that they actually care about their problems. Their only concern is trying to figure out how to justify their salaries that they take from our dues, and sanction only the small firm lawyers that lose valuable time and money in having to deal with this crap.
I am a victim of the same thing wherein I voiced my opinion of a trial judge in another county. I went through a five-day jury trial and never heard the word "sustained" on any of my objections and was viewed as evil when I filed a Motion to Disqualify.
Oh, by the way, did I mention that the ASA and the Judge went to law school together and he admitted to me that "she used to bake him cookies". In this case, he got more than cookies, he got a full plate of home cooking.
I guess they are unfamiliar with the First Amendment, or the whole concept of Equal Protection Under the Law.
Doctors can amputate the wrong leg and not get sanctioned. However, if a lawyer doesn't have his tie on properly or doesn't return a phone call timely, he has to waste time by answering the inquiry, copying his file, documenting his messages, etc. and then hoping that it does not go to the Kangaroo Court that they call a Grievance Committee.
Mr. Conway, I can sympathize and empathize with your plight. I offered them the Michigan case to review and they still found probable cause in my case.
If Sean really did call Judge Aleman a witch, I think he was wrong and should apologize to all the witches.
This is a joke. Except not so funny for Conway. The judge has so many problems. He only said what was true. Maybe he could have phrased it different. It makes no difference.
Some good ones from the Sentinel:
BY JAYNE DOUGH:
Okay so the Judge can be cruel and crude in the courtroom, but Mr Conway can't exercise his freedom of speech on a blog? It's not slander if it's true! Broward County needs to clean house - the Sheriff was a crook - the cops lie, and the Judges hate people....a good place to stay away from.
BY SCXORE KEEPER:
So the very institution that is there to review and protect our freedom of speech cannot protect their own from the same?
Since when is a judge beyond criticism? I think many criticized the cryer, the smoker and the one who sits on his hands. So why not allow an attorney an opportunity to voice observations anonymously?
It sounds like blogs are only useful when they are complimentary. That is a load of bull(s)hit. Politicians and their cronies are all in the public arena, and if they refuse to hold eachother accountable, then "we the people" shall.
BY Melancholy Voter:
Hasn't the JQC's findings proved him right?
Especially in a system of elected judges, it is important that their faults be aired in a public forum.
BY Pompano Fred:
Judge Club vs. free speech.....hm....
This judge could have avoided some criticism by assiduously avoiding the appearance of "evil"....instead, she on multiple occasions made enemies. She wasn't elected to do that. She was elected or appointed to administer justice impartially.
If she doesn't, the first to know will be people who are judged or people who work in her courtroom.
They should be allowed to speak up. Every other profession in the world is open for examination and free speech....let the attorneys speak their piece.
BY TOMMY:
This is TIHSLLUB.[read that backward]
The Florida Bar is the one that needs to be SANCTIONED!!! NOBODY is above the right to free speech, nobody. If someone wants to criticize a judge, then they should have every right to, and as long as they don't slander or make physical threats, then their speech should stand without change and without sanction!
The Florida Bar needs to be disbanded and reorganized if this is the type of thing that they are persuing.
BY JUDGE DREDD:
So now we can't even criticise judges. Most of them spew out rediculous commentary and ignorant rullings, but we are not supposed to let them know it? Judges are just lawyers who could not make it in the real world and are on a power trip. Get over yourselves! Shut up and simply judge. Or better yet, retire and just go away. Oh ya, and take a few lawyers with you.
BY KARMA:
The former sheriff of Broward County is a convicted felon yet his law right to practice law is merely suspended but critical language of a judge, fellow member of the bar, may result in the LOSS of the offender's right to practice law. Very strange ethical standards indeed.
BY YO ADRIAN:
Rogow says the language Conway used was "crude and cruel".
That's pretty funny coming from the man who represented 2 Live Crew in their indecency trial.
BY MILENA:
So judges who were lawyers are good, and lawyers are bad.... OK. I follow that logic.... NOT!
First, I want to see how much you're doing to bad-mouth lawyers if you're ever in a jam and need counsel to get your whiny butt out.
Second, I wonder just how FAIR this judge was if she gave your attorney one week to prepare for trial.
This attorney may have been harsh, but he WAS standing up the the best interest of his clients.
And how much attorney's get paid is irrelevant. You have attorney's that bill $400 per hour and you have attorneys that bill $80.
How much is your freedom worth to you?
It's my understanding the local bar grievance committee voted on this. It was not Tallahasse or the main bar. Just a bunch of dimwit local lawyers.
Why are they pursuing this? Have they not read the Michigan federal decision that says you can call a judge a Nazi?
Who is whispering in their ear? Are they in the judge pleasing business?
If they are trying to protect the judges, why have they timed this for right now? Aleman is still bleeding from her shameful performance as a criminal judge, and during her very own misconduct trial. She's a sorry laughingstock, damaged goods. Pathetic, really. Why make it worse for her by adding additional publicity to fuel the fire?
Or are they working at the behest of the civil bar? Word is the civil lawyers can't stand her either. Maybe they want to further her embarrassment or to force the Supreme Court to act on the JQC results and throw her to the curb once and for all?
Well that is unlikely. The local bar people just are not thinking. Maybe they hired the same PR firm as former Chief Judge Dale Ross. You know the one. He was having trouble with a blog read by 22 people at the time. He calls a press conference, and rants to all four news channels how the blog was undermining the judiciary. Complete with fist pounding and red faced indignation (and maybe just a little spittle).
Are the locals really this stupid?
Can you publish the names of the bar grievance committee members?
the bar is a joke. i have filed complaints with independent affidavits of attorney marilyn lindsey asking witnesses to lie, showing others nude pictures, of clients, using amphetamine without a diagnosis, email on internet about chief judge dale ross raping on her over and over, produced documents that showed her lying and trying to break a judges order and documents of her lying in federal court. they do nothing--i have seen them punish lawyers for small thing but i guess it is who u screw not what u have done.
after all of the dirty laundry that was aired about aleman last week, the bar has the nerve to file a complaint against Sean? unbelievable. they should've contacted him immediately, apologized for any inconvenience resulting from the bar complaint, and given him a gift certificate for lunch at the capital grille.
unbelievable.
Per your request:
http://www.floridabar.org/DIVEXE/BD/CMStanding.nsf/4fc96bb91076af6085256eec005ae6a7/256f769c6d65c86685256ea700540658?OpenDocument
Richard A Sachs Vice Chair Fort Lauderdale February, 2008
Steven B Dolchin Attorney Member Hollywood May, 2009
Carl S Karmin Attorney Member Fort Lauderdale February, 2008
June Elizabeth Loochkartt Attorney Member Plantation February, 2009
Algeisa Maria Vazquez Attorney Member Fort Lauderdale June, 2008
Gary Crep * Public Member Pompano Beach September, 2010
Frank Murphy * Public Member Fort Lauderdale March, 2009
Tracy S. Van Hart * Public Member Fort Lauderdale March, 2008
Jesse H Diner Designated Reviewer Fort Lauderdale June, 2008
* Public Member
[Updated: 07-01-2007 ]
not sure if they have many "vegan options" at said Capital Grille?
for our foul-mouthed friend eats no fowl (or friends)...
Cap Grill - good choice. Maybe Fred will loan you the key to his personal Cap Grill wine locker just for the occasion....
If Aleman was savvy, the best position she could take right now would be to publicly request that the bar drop their action against Sean. She needs to separate herself from this and show that she is above this.
i agree
Take this one all the way, young man. You are right, they are wrong. Maybe the Supreme Court will have to settle a split between the Florida and Michigan Districts. Ever been to DC?
And don't let them bait you on the blog or in the press. They will stoop at nothing, insult you on the blog, your clothes, whatever. Don't take the bait or they win! Did you see any of the Bogentrix they wheeled out during the Aleman trial? Low, low, low. Man, that Brannon really blew it.
Hold your head high. You are stronger and braver than anyone in the Courthouse.
All hail Sean Conway...the only lawyer in Broward with enough balls to call out a judge on a disgusting and dirty practice.
And, now, he might lose his livelihood for speaking the truth?
let's not forget who we're talking about...SHE WAS GOING TO LET A MAN DIE IN JAIL. SHE TOLD THE JAIL TO BRING HOSPICE TO HIM. HE WAS A NONVIOLENT OFFENDER WITH A TERMINAL DISEASE. HE WAS GOING TO DIE ALONE IN JAIL AND SHE COULD'VE STOPPED IT. NOBODY OBJECTED TO HIS RELEASE.
now, do we know what we're dealing with. i think the scales of justice should tip in Sean's favor...in light of everything that we have seen and heard about this judge, SEAN WAS NOT EVEN REMOTELY IN THE WRONG.
IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.
this is the same person who, instead of resolving her issues with the JQC, went through a 3-day trial and had all of her misdeeds publicly aired. seems like she likes the attention, or craves it, who knows?
I wonder how many lawyers or others Cheryl has held in contempt and jailed since she was banished to small time civil work? Maybe none?
Maybe the former prosecutrix couldn't separate herself from the past when she was supposed to be a referee in the criminal courts? SAVE US FL SUPREME COURT PLEASE.
that's a nice picture of aleman. striking.
The best things in life are free
But you can keep them for the birds and bees
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
We gotta get that blog. Damn lousy blog. I know, let's prosecute that guy Conway. He said some mean things about a judge. We'll show them, so what if there's press coverage. So what if every time that blog gets named in a newspaper article tens of thousands of new people end up checking it out. And who cares if it goes on and on and on. We'll get that blog. We'll show them.
http://www.thestupidproject.com/images/stupid-3.jpg
Local lawyers stupid? Maybe. Perhaps this allowed for the long-term respect for the Dishonorable Dale Mushmouth.
I once served on a bar grievance committee. It was one scary experience. With rare exception, the members are simply the pawns of the bar counsel and the designated reviewer runs the show. Nothing gets out of committee and to the next step without the blessing of the designated reviewer. According to the list posted on this blog, that would be Jesse H. Diner. He's on the Florida Bar Board of Governors. All bloggers should exercise their First Amendment freedoms before they are taken away. According to the Florida Bar website, Diner's email address is: jhd@atkinson-diner.com. Perhaps Mr. Diner needs to hear from Sean's supporters and learn a little something about the First Amendment. After sending him your thoughts, please copy them on this blog, so I can be entertained.
Nice post Joel. So obvious it is you
I love righteous indignation by the offended group who sre wrongfull associated "by reference as though fully set forth."