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==In the news==
==In the news==
===Judge faces misconduct hearing for running personal business out of courtroom===
===Judge faces misconduct hearing for running personal business out of courtroom===
−
A five-day trial on misconduct charges against Hawkins began on October 7, 2013
. The
[[Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission]]
filed formal charges against Hawkins
in December 2012. The commission charged Hawkins with using her judicial office to promote a private interest, among other
charges
.<ref name=charges>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_12-05-2012_Formal_Charges.pdf ''Before the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission'', "Inquiry concerning A Judge, Judith W. Hawkins, No. 11-550, Notice of Formal Charges," December 5, 2012]</ref>
+
A five-day trial on misconduct charges against Hawkins began on October 7, 2013
, following the filing of formal charges against her by the
[[Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission]] in December 2012. The commission charged Hawkins with using her judicial office to promote a private interest, among other
things
.<ref name=charges>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_12-05-2012_Formal_Charges.pdf ''Before the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission'', "Inquiry concerning A Judge, Judith W. Hawkins, No. 11-550, Notice of Formal Charges," December 5, 2012]</ref>
−
Hawkins founded Gaza Road Ministries in 2010. Her business website displayed photos of
Hawkins
wearing her judicial robes. In one photo, she was seated on the bench at the Leon County courthouse. Her biography on the website also noted her position as a county judge. The website included information about Hawkins' speaking engagements and offered a variety of products for sale, including religious workbooks.
+
Hawkins founded Gaza Road Ministries in 2010. Her business website displayed photos of
her
wearing her judicial robes. In one photo, she was seated on the bench at the Leon County courthouse. Her biography on the website also noted her position as a county judge. The website included information about Hawkins' speaking engagements and offered a variety of products for sale, including religious workbooks.
−
The commission
charges
Hawkins
has
"sold or attempted to sell (her) books, study guides, and other publications in the Leon County courthouse, in the parking garage of the courthouse, and even in the Courtroom in which (she) preside(s).<ref name=charges/>"
Since
Hawkins
holds a
position of authority at the court,
the commission believes
attorneys
who appear before her,
and employees of the court
, may feel
obligated or pressured to purchase items from her.
+
The commission
charged that
Hawkins "sold or attempted to sell (her) books, study guides, and other publications in the Leon County courthouse, in the parking garage of the courthouse, and even in the Courtroom in which (she) preside(s).<ref name=charges/>"
The commission noted that, due to
Hawkins
'
position of authority at the court, attorneys and employees of the court
could have felt
obligated or pressured to purchase items from her.
−
According to the charges, Hawkins also used her court e-mail account to communicate with others regarding her business and products. Hawkins created the products she
sells
from her offices at the Leon County Court and used courthouse equipment and supplies for her business. Her judicial assistant helped her create and sell products, during the work day, at the court. Tax documents filed by Hawkins indicate she earned $13,518.00 from her business in 2011.<ref name=books>[http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20131007/NEWS01/131007003/Hearing-Judge-Judith-Hawkins-misconduct-allegations-begins-morning?nclick_check=1 ''Tallahassee.com'', "UPDATE: Judge Hawkins peddled religious workbook to courthouse friends, according to testimony," October 7, 2013]</ref>
+
According to the charges, Hawkins also used her court e-mail account to communicate with others regarding her business and products. Hawkins created the products she
sold
from her offices at the Leon County Court and used courthouse equipment and supplies for her business. Her judicial assistant helped her create and sell products, during the work day, at the court. Tax documents filed by Hawkins indicate she earned $13,518.00 from her business in 2011.<ref name=books>[http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20131007/NEWS01/131007003/Hearing-Judge-Judith-Hawkins-misconduct-allegations-begins-morning?nclick_check=1 ''Tallahassee.com'', "UPDATE: Judge Hawkins peddled religious workbook to courthouse friends, according to testimony," October 7, 2013]</ref>
−
Hawkins claims her duties as a judge left her with a lot of free time to spend working on her business. However, according to special counsel Greg Miller, who is representing the commission in the hearing, Hawkins would cancel court proceedings without providing advance notice to the parties involved
,
in order to attend events or speak about her business. The commission
alleges
Hawkins failed to administer prompt and efficient justice because she was more interested in pursuing activities to further her business.<ref name=books/>
+
Hawkins claims her duties as a judge left her with a lot of free time to spend working on her business. However, according to special counsel Greg Miller, who is representing the commission in the hearing, Hawkins would cancel court proceedings without providing advance notice to the parties involved in order to attend events or speak about her business. The commission
alleged that
Hawkins failed to administer prompt and efficient justice because she was more interested in pursuing activities to further her business.<ref name=books/>
−
Gerald Kogan, a former Florida Supreme Court justice who represents Hawkins, acknowledged, "she may have gotten wrapped up in a personal goal of helping people.<ref name=books/>" He
notes
Hawkins
has
received many awards from the legal community and
has
served as a volunteer speaker at schools in Leon County for 20 years.<ref name=books/> In her response, Hawkins
noted
one of the photos on her website which showed her wearing her judicial robe
,
was taken at Oakridge Elementary School. After being nominated by the school, Hawkins received the Tallahassee Democrat, Volunteer of the Year for Education Award in 2006.<ref name=answer>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_12-26-2012_Answer_to_Formal_Charges.pdf ''Before the Flordia Judicial Qualifications Commission'', "Inquiry Concerning a Judge, Judith W. Hawkins, No. 11-550, Answer to Notice of Formal Charges, December 20, 2012]</ref>
+
Gerald Kogan, a former Florida Supreme Court justice who represents Hawkins, acknowledged, "she may have gotten wrapped up in a personal goal of helping people.<ref name=books/>" He
noted that
Hawkins received many awards from the legal community and served as a volunteer speaker at schools in Leon County for 20 years.<ref name=books/> In her response, Hawkins
pointed out that
one of the photos on her website which showed her wearing her judicial robe was taken at Oakridge Elementary School. After being nominated by the school, Hawkins received the Tallahassee Democrat, Volunteer of the Year for Education Award in 2006.<ref name=answer>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_12-26-2012_Answer_to_Formal_Charges.pdf ''Before the Flordia Judicial Qualifications Commission'', "Inquiry Concerning a Judge, Judith W. Hawkins, No. 11-550, Answer to Notice of Formal Charges, December 20, 2012]</ref>
−
In addition, Hawkins was charged by the commission with failing to act in a manner that promotes public confidence. While on the bench during a trial, Hawkins recommended three attorneys to a defendant saying, "
.
. .tell them Judge Hawkins sent you."
(
Florida judges are not allowed to recommend attorneys or offer legal advice to the public.
)
Parties also
observed her
reading magazines while presiding over court proceedings.<ref>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_10-03-2013_JQC_Trial_Memorandum.pdf ''Before the Investigative Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, Inquiry Concerning a Judge, Judith Hawkins, Case No. 11-550'', "Judicial Qualifications Commission's Trial Memorandum," October 3, 2013]</ref>
+
In addition, Hawkins was charged by the commission with failing to act in a manner that promotes public confidence. While on the bench during a trial, Hawkins recommended three attorneys to a defendant saying, "..tell them Judge Hawkins sent you." Florida judges are not allowed to recommend attorneys or offer legal advice to the public. Parties also
said she had been seen
reading magazines while presiding over court proceedings.<ref>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_10-03-2013_JQC_Trial_Memorandum.pdf ''Before the Investigative Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, Inquiry Concerning a Judge, Judith Hawkins, Case No. 11-550'', "Judicial Qualifications Commission's Trial Memorandum," October 3, 2013]</ref>
−
During the hearing, the commission planned to offer evidence that Hawkins intentionally deleted financial records showing she conducted business for Gaza Road Ministries during work hours at the court. She
also refused
to provide information requested by the commission relating to sales, customer lists and payments she made to her judicial assistant. The commission
alleges
court records and computer data
show
Hawkins and her judicial assistant performed work related to the judge's business during the workday at the court.<ref>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_10-03-2013_JQC_Trial_Memorandum.pdf ''Before the Investigative Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, Inquiry Concerning a Judge, Judith Hawkins, Case No. 11-550'', "Judicial Qualifications Commission's Trial Memorandum," October 3, 2013]</ref>
+
During the hearing, the commission planned to offer evidence that Hawkins intentionally deleted financial records showing she conducted business for Gaza Road Ministries during work hours at the court. She
declined
to provide information requested by the commission relating to sales, customer lists and payments she made to her judicial assistant. The commission
alleged that
court records and computer data
reveal that
Hawkins and her judicial assistant performed work related to the judge's business during the workday at the court.<ref>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_10-03-2013_JQC_Trial_Memorandum.pdf ''Before the Investigative Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, Inquiry Concerning a Judge, Judith Hawkins, Case No. 11-550'', "Judicial Qualifications Commission's Trial Memorandum," October 3, 2013]</ref>
===Hawkins found guilty of misconduct after hearing===
===Hawkins found guilty of misconduct after hearing===
−
The [[Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission]] found Hawkins guilty of running her religious business out of her chambers at the [[Leon County, Florida|Leon County]] Courthouse. In addition, she was also found guilty of misconduct on the bench and of interfering with the commission's misconduct investigation.
A
36-page report was released on January 28, 2014.<ref name=finding>[http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Judge-Responds-to-Amended-Ethics-Charges-218163861.html?ref=861 ''WCTV.tv'', "Judge Hawkins faces fine and suspension," January 28, 2014]</ref>
+
The [[Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission]] found Hawkins guilty of running her religious business out of her chambers at the [[Leon County, Florida|Leon County]] Courthouse. In addition, she was also found guilty of misconduct on the bench and of interfering with the commission's misconduct investigation.
The
36-page report was released on January 28, 2014.<ref name=finding>[http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Judge-Responds-to-Amended-Ethics-Charges-218163861.html?ref=861 ''WCTV.tv'', "Judge Hawkins faces fine and suspension," January 28, 2014]</ref>
According to the report: {{quote|Judge Hawkins believes in extending second chances to others. The Hearing Panel concludes that her conduct in response to the FJCQ investigation 34 was an aberration, that she is devoted to the community, is still capable of able service and that she, likewise, is entitled to a second chance...<ref>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_01-27-2014_Hearing_Panel_Findings_Recommendations.pdf ''Before the Judicial Qualifications Commission, State of Florida,'' "Inquiry Concerning Judge Judith Hawkins, No. 11-550, SC12-2495, Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations of the Hearing Panel," January 27, 2014]</ref>}}
According to the report: {{quote|Judge Hawkins believes in extending second chances to others. The Hearing Panel concludes that her conduct in response to the FJCQ investigation 34 was an aberration, that she is devoted to the community, is still capable of able service and that she, likewise, is entitled to a second chance...<ref>[http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/12/12-2495/Filed_01-27-2014_Hearing_Panel_Findings_Recommendations.pdf ''Before the Judicial Qualifications Commission, State of Florida,'' "Inquiry Concerning Judge Judith Hawkins, No. 11-550, SC12-2495, Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations of the Hearing Panel," January 27, 2014]</ref>}}
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===Supreme court moves to remove Judge Hawkins from office===
===Supreme court moves to remove Judge Hawkins from office===
−
On June 23, 2014, the [[Florida Supreme Court]] announced its plan to remove Judge Hawkins from the bench for using her office for her own business, Gaza Road Ministries. The justices did, however, offer Hawkins a chance to "show cause why removal from office is not the appropriate sanction in this case."<ref name=supreme decision/>
Hawkins' defense {{tense|date=8/14/2014|future=is|past=was}} due August 14, 2014.
<ref name=supreme decision>[http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2014/06/24/judge-judith-hawkins-faces-removal-office/11298415/ ''Tallahassee Democrat,'' "Judge Judith Hawkins faces removal from office," June 24, 2014]</ref>
+
On June 23, 2014, the [[Florida Supreme Court]] announced its plan to remove Judge Hawkins from the bench for using her
judicial
office for her own business, Gaza Road Ministries. The justices did, however, offer Hawkins a chance to "show cause why removal from office is not the appropriate sanction in this case."<ref name=supreme decision/><ref name=supreme decision>[http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2014/06/24/judge-judith-hawkins-faces-removal-office/11298415/ ''Tallahassee Democrat,'' "Judge Judith Hawkins faces removal from office," June 24, 2014]</ref>
===Hawkins' response to the supreme court===
===Hawkins' response to the supreme court===
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==External links==
==External links==
−
* [http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/2ndcircuit/index.php?Page=CountyCriminal.php Florida Second Judicial Circuit
:
Leon County Court]
+
* [http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/2ndcircuit/index.php?Page=CountyCriminal.php
''
Florida Second Judicial Circuit
'', "
Leon County Court
"
]
==References==
==References==