FUN WITH FEREN
Feren's courtroom around 3:00 PM ThursdayThis Motion For Disqualification Of Judge was filed today by the Public Defender's Office.
We weren't there, but Judge Feren apparently commented on the length of the Motion, and said he needed time to read it. He reportedly stated that he has detentions duty next week, and was then embarking on a two week vacation. He set the case for July 17th, which was supposedly the earliest date he could give for a possible ruling.
A full month to rule on a Motion for Disqualification?
We spoke to Howard Finkelstein. He says his lawyers will be filing motions in most every relevant case, and because of the potential backlog in the division, he's exploring whether to approach the 4th DCA for a Writ of Mandamus.
Naturally, our curiosity was piqued. We've heard lots of stuff about Feren. Like he's out a lot, doesn't work nearly as many afternoons as the other juvenile judges, and has tried only two cases to verdict all year. So we made some calls.
The first call went to his JA. She couldn't tell us how many vacations Feren has taken this year. She told us we have to check with the Chief Judge, because she couldn't remember "off the top of her head."
Next we called Chief Judge Tobin's office. We were told the Chief Judge keeps copies of the memos sent by judges relating to vacation time, but it's Court Administration's job to keep the originals and to maintain accurate records, since some judges don't copy the Chief Judge.
Next we called Court Administration, who, predictably, told us they don't keep the records. They referred us back to Tobin, and promised to call back if they could locate Carole Lee Ortman or anyone else who could determine who kept the judicial vacation logs.
Tick Tock. No one calls, so off we go to visit Tobin's JA in person. No, Court Administration definitely keeps the records.
Now it's on down the hall to Court Administration, where we're again told to see Tobin. Frustration sets in.
As previously reported, we're mighty sick of getting the run around from Court Administration (that's the nice way of putting it). Why do they guard public information like it's some sort of state secret? Would the hunt for Bin Laden be compromised if they come clean about things like case counts and vacation days? What's the big deal?
However, before we get too heated up, the phone rings. It's Tobin to the rescue, again. We're sent packing back to his office, where his JA mediates a discussion between the waiting room and the Chief Judge's closed door. After a couple of back and forths, we're told to put in writing what we're after, and we'll get it in a reasonable time. We hand over the Chapter 119 public records request that was hastily scribbled on the back of 17th Circuit General Counsel Alexandra Rieman's business card back in Court Administration (nice touch, right?), and we're gone.
Another blog mountain made out of a mole hill, by people who should know better by now. Unless, of course, there's something they really don't want us to know (2010 anyone?). Is Administrative Order I-06-A-3 being adhered to or enforced? Should we be asking for all of the judge's vacation days next? Stay tuned.
(By the way, how about that Anthony Narula? Did you read the Feren transcript? The Florida Bar website shows he won't even have a year in until September, yet he's playing with Feren like a cat with a twitching mouse. We love it.)
Rob Jakovich has company. Rumored candidate Rhoda Sokoloff made it official, filing in the race for Vitale's seat. Check out the DBR's Inside Track for a profile of Ms. Sokoloff.
Seriously, how awful would it be if we end up with a 100% Jewish judiciary? We love our lox and bagels and Old Testament as much as anyone else, but would that be good for Broward? We say NO NO NO.
But, will anyone run against the Jewish judges that need to GO GO GO? More importantly, can they win? Will the community rally behind minority judges and minority candidates in order to assure a judiciary that reflects the makeup of the County? Are we doomed to five of ninety, plus a couple of Latin kids, because the voters and the Governor say NO WAY to diversity in Broward? Let's hope not. (Nothing personal to Rob or Rhoda, but we do see a pattern developing)
Cheaters - The Martinez trial will resume October 19th, in the middle of a cop's testimony. The original jurors, minus a few, will reconvene months after this Satz stink bomb first blew up, just like nothing happened. Only in Broward.
Here is the list of BSO programs that will survive and be cut, as of June 17th (courtesy BACDL).
DJJ dedicated a classroom to Judge Howard Zeidwig and Judge Charlie Kaplan earlier this week. Sad, but cool.
Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren will be handing out the annual Mental Health Awards Friday, in the usual place. Stop on by.
That's it!
NYT: Justices Reject Inmate Right to DNA Tests
Shari Tate seals murderer's fate
Attorney George Reres sits with Eric Patrick
during Tuesday's penalty phase
I dunno. This week the good state of Oklahoma wins for bad judges. Oklahoma boasts the rape-friendly jurist, Thomas Bartheld...who gave a child rapists a twenty year sentence, and suspended nineteen years, and of course, credit for time served.
The good judge then gave an interview saying he was bound by the "negotiated" deal between the DA and the attorney for the defense, with nary a mention he signed off on it.
See www.USAjudges.blogspot.com
The next Incompetent Conspirator Award in the quasi judicial shell game is once again to go to none other than the never to be found, and that way remain unaccountable, CAROL LEE ORTMAN as she continues to collect her frequent flier miles for personal use while spending as much time as she can flying back and fourth to Tallahassee as many times as she can fit into a month to fulfill, as she sees it, the responsibilities of what is laughably called the OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR.
Without her bogging down the process at every turn, things could actually have a chance at running smoothly and with TRANSPARENCY, a word that scares her more than any other.
Time to pack it in Carol. Give a better girl a chance to brush off of the accumulated dust of how many years?
Best blog ever (say that like the Simpson's comic book character).
"...Now it's on down the hall to Court Administration, where we're again told to see Tobin. Frustration sets in."
Hey Bill, what about your client's frustration of maybe trying to call you at your office while you are running around playing junior detective? Maybe your client's frustration that you could be working on his/her case while you are running around between Tobin's office and Court Admin.
Bill, are you any better than Feren? You are not in your office in the middle of the afternoon working, instead you are running around trying to find out where Judge Feren is. Is this what your client's expect of you when they pay you to represent them?
As well, interesting take on the Vitale race and questioning whether minority Judges will ever see the light of day. I find it curious that you fail to mention that your friend Mindy Solomon intentionally is trying to curb a former minority APD from reaching the Bench. No worry we know FOB's (Friends of Bill) are always protected around here.
Get a grip, bub. Solomon is just another judicial opportunist trying to make a score in the primary. If she doesn't, she's done. She'll get opposition from a source where she least expects it.
Thank God somebody cares to scrape the crud off this place every once in a while. As long as these jokers think they can operate in the dark, they're laughing all the way to the bank for as long as they can. And it ain't funny any more.
Feren can take the motion to read with him while he's on his permanent vacation status.
MORE EMPTY COURTROOMS WHILE THEY'RE STILL PUSHING THE IDEA WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ROOMS IN THE COURTHOUSE TO HEAR CASES AND A NEW MULTI MILLION DOLLAR COURTHOUSE IS NEEDED FOR THAT PURPOSE! THESE PEOPLE ARE OUT OF THEIR MINDS. PURELY A BUREAUCRATIC MINDSET WITH LITTLE OR NO RESPECT FOR THE TAXPAYERS OF THIS COUNTY IN A TIME OF BUDGET PITFALLS ALL ACROSS THIS COUNTRY.
Hey, Bill, no worries, Random Thoughts is probably Feren's ubiquitous wife.
This guy has been breaking the rules as long as he's been in public service and getting away with it. Stupid of him to even want to be a judge, when he truly has to operate in the sunshine for the first time ever.
Hooray for jaablog and hooray for the newbie attorney who has opened the door so all the chickens and cowards can now come forward, too.
Rotate Broward Judges and bring Integrity to the bench and Broward County into line with other circuits within the State.
Dig Deep the gathering gloom that are the real estate activities in west Broward of yet another now Broward Judge and former Sunrise Mayor and see what you find. Interesting reading.
Court Admin keep records? You've really got to be kidding. They do nothing but clog things up and hide the rest of the time.
Another one take to the judicial bunker.
Feren is the perfect Broward judge. Takes long vacations, doesn't want to work, wants everything packaged nicely with a ribbon and a bow on it. Doesn't work a full day. He's spent a lifetime chowing down from the public trough starting in Sunrise and now at the Clownhouse. He's this year's answer to Judge Larry, (also kind to little old ladies). Feren's spent so little time in the Courthouse in private practice little wonder he knows where it is unless he found out so he'd know where to get his paycheck. He was stuck in Juvie where the guess is he could less harm. He really belongs in probate or traffic court or maybe he just doesn't belong but then again taking into account the rest of the dung heap he fits right in. Who says there's no such thing as an honest politician. Feren actually said what he means which is unusual.
A new courthouse needed even if there is abundant space. The current courthouse is way behind on technology for starters. Let's not forget the mold and pipe issues. Please.
The citizens of Broward County are not in favor of a new courthouse or anything else that will raise taxes. Furthermore, a new courthouse is not nor has it ever been needed. It's all a sham. If they can't get it, they will when it comes time to be re-elected.
"your friend Mindy Solomon intentionally is trying to curb a former minority APD from reaching the Bench"
I guess it doesnt matter that Mindy is wayyyy more qualified & wayyyyy more experienced. don't play the race card when it's not even appropriate.
Experienced at what? Good one. What's she been doing exactly?
Needs to be disqualified from sitting anywhere.
Of course Solomon is trying to curb a minority candidate. What's the big deal? You don't think she's out to get anything but the easiest win, do you? The truth is evident. She'll do anything she can to sit on the bench including working every side. She wants the perks. I remember this chick for the SA's office. You don't really think she's started this thing for altruistic reasons? If you do, I've got a bridge in Brookland I want you to look at.
"Bill, are you any better than Feren? You are not in your office in the middle of the afternoon working, instead you are running around trying to find out where Judge Feren is. Is this what your client's expect of you when they pay you to represent them?"
yeah he should be down at the elbo or tarpon with the rest of the 3rd degree felony lawyers
They ougtta rename Feren "The Joker"!
Thanks for your warped political insight A-Turd. No court again this morning?
oh. oh. somebody called in sick today. no court for feren.
Lets not pick on the new guy exclusively! Why doesn't Jaablog look into irregularities and offensive commentary by some of the other juvy judges? Time to expose even those jurists that have a reputation for being "defense friendly."
How about all those "Stern Judicial Warnings" from Lightning Larry Seidlin that the PDO put up with for years even though some were coming on serious felonies that screwed the kids when they picked up their first adult offense.
Get real.
This is so far beyond "offensive commentary."
Agree: He needs to be disqualified from sitting anywhere. He can't be trusted to handle a parking ticket.
That's funny, I thought that the kids screwed themselves when they picked up new adult felonies? So the SAO should be prosecuting the PDO for conspiracy to run a criminal enterprise huh? That's ridiculous! Don't blame the lawyers for the actions of the defendants.
Feren called in sick today? Is he suffering from diarrhea of the mouth?
Feren figured out the fast track out of Juvi, Criminal and probably Dependency. He probably leaked the transcript to Jaab
Give this Judge Feren a purple robe and let him practice out of his garage. He's got no place here if he thinks like this.
This guy has a bad rep in Sunrise. How did he get to be a judge?
wear a mask.
for the amount of time that these judges spend "working," they can put up with a little bit of mold and the occassional pipe burst. get over it.
"You don't really think she's started this thing for altruistic reasons"
I hate to break it to you, but i don't know many people who become judges for altruistic reasons. for many of these people, the 150k a year is a windfall. they're doing it for the huge pay increase and the big ego that comes with the job.
what a horrible visual i just had. ugh.