PUBLIC REPRIMAND FOR DO GOODER JUDGE BARNES

Posted by JAABLOG at 1/29/2009 3:50 PM
Categories: JQC, St Lucie, Fl Sup Ct
 Moral of the story: "If it's broken, don't fix it."

The Supreme Court issued an opinion today calling for a Public Reprimand of St. Lucie Judge Clifford Barnes. 

His crime?  Trying to fix the broken First Appearances procedure in his county.

Here is the Supreme Court opinion, a quickie article on today's decision, a 2006 column Barnes wrote on the issue, and the Petition for Writ of Mandamus he filed with the Fourth DCA that landed him in hot water.

                                    Background: JAABLOG 4/24/08

 

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  • 1/29/2009 5:27 PM Bonnie Russell wrote:
    I would like to again thank Florida's JQC for again proving the need for www.USAjudges.com, the site which empowers attorneys and the public alike to make the judicial actions, transparent.

    Separate from the usual bad result when foxes guard the hen house, I speak for USAjudges.com in stating Judge Barnes is to be admired.

    USAjudges would like to see more honorable judges squarely addressing significant issues, while noting a dearth of a willingness to do so.

    Once again, the JQC distinguishes itself in exceptionally poor judgment.
  • 1/29/2009 5:59 PM Anonymous wrote:
    As an attorney who has appeared before Judge Barnes on numerous occasions, I believe him to be an honorable person who did what he thought was the only thing he could to to rectify the serious problems that were occuring in his county.

    He defended himself in this proceeding in an honorable fashion as well, and in the end, even he did not dispute the penalty reluctantly issued by the panel.

    While I think in hindsight, Judge Barnes probably realizes that he went too far in his advocacy for reducing jail overcrowding. He certainly could have left the bench and run again for commissioner, or ran against Daimond Litty, the PD in the County (and wife of a County Judge who heard criminal matters).

    He didn't and now faces the consequences of his actions like a true mensch -- without crying or whining.

    We should all hope to have more judges elected in Broward County with the passion and dedication to a real justice system like Judge Barnes.

    Maybe there will be more of that type running for office in 2010.

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