Judge Jack Day gave Master Drew a good going over . “I’d just like to say there’s nothing masterful about being a pimp,” Circuit Judge Jack Day told Kobak. “We have robbers, burglars, muggers, all kinds of gangsters come through here. But there’s nothing more contemptible than a pimp.”
Always interesting to hear what Judges think of some cases.
Before finding the Fry Lady not guilty, Judge Caddell correctly summed up the situation, “If rudeness and inconsideration of others were a crime, this would be a felony.” Judge Caddell is one of the best local jurists we have and he hit the nail on the head. Somehow, I don’t think Ms. Merola got the message. Looks like the defense attorneys did a great job. However, their best move was not letting their client talk after the verdict. Remember, even a fish wouldn’t get caught if it kept its mouth shut.
Congrats to Rob Dittmer, Pinellas County’s newest judicial appointment. This local attorney should make a great addition to the local judiciary once he becomes a little more local. Judge Dittmer will need to move into the county before he takes the bench. It seems credentials including experience as a prosecutor and insurance defense lawyer are ideal for Gov. Bush. Luckily, Judge Dittmer has an ideal temperament and a lot of common sense.
Unfortunately, Judge Farnell has recused himself in the DCF case. It is unfortunate because something must be done to protect these citizens who have very little in the way of protection. Letting the mentally ill languish in a jail that cannot accommodate their medical needs is cruel and will make for bigger problems down the road. Judge Farnell’s efforts to enforce the law as the legislature intended should not be chided as “activism” or a “judicial temper tantrum”, they should be applauded. It was a poor decision to talk about a pending case with reporters. Hopefully, it will achieve a greater good.
Some interesting figures regarding the money required in judicial races. I’ve never seen this be an issue. I do think Judge Farmer’s opinion covers any situation where it is perceived to be a conflict.
Judge Gary M. Farmer of the 4th District Court of Appeal is worried that the current system creates problems. “Any reasonable person could understandably fear a judge’s impartiality when the opposition gave money or served on her election committee,” Farmer wrote in a 2005 opinion.
Farmer urged judges to recuse themselves in cases in which attorneys have made campaign contributions.
“If such a regime is too disruptive to the operation of courts, well then maybe we should rethink our dedication to the direct election of judges,” he wrote.
Congratulations to Tampa Bay’s newest Circuit judges, Shawn Crane and Pam Campbell. Judge Crane certainly deserved the move from County Court to Circuit and Judge Campbell is a welcome addition to the bench. I think their quotes in the paper are most telling-
Judge Crane said, “First, you need to be patient. You need to appreciate the situation of people who find themselves in front of you. And you have to be fair. I hope to bring all of that to the circuit bench.”
And Judge Campbell said, “For everyone who appears before the court, I would like them to feel their case is being heard objectively and fairly and that someone is listening and cares about the outcome of the ruling.”
I don’t think there is much more you could ask for from these new jurists. Pam Campbell is an outstanding lawyer in St. Petersburg, respected and like by everyone who knows her. Judge Crane first cut his teeth as a prosecutor and learned a great deal of patience training young prosecutors (like myself) how to handle misdemeanor cases.
Congrats to both!
Busted in Florida 