Rumor has it John Contini has denied the SAO’s Motion to Disqualify as legally insufficient (4:34 PM) …

UPDATE – SS: Contini denies Motion (5:02 PM)

“Public Defender Howard Finkelstein said it was “much ado about nothing.” He found it disingenuous of Satz, saying Satz has had little reaction when Broward judges have been brought up on DUI charges and in other investigations.

“We’ve had some real problems with the Broward judiciary,” Finkelstein said. “This is not even a ripple in the ocean of problems that we’ve had, yet this is the first time we hear from the State Attorney’s Office.”

Peter Weinstein covering for John Contini this morning …

The SAO filed this Motion To Disqualify against John Contini late this afternoon, on every single pending case in the criminal division he presides over.  It sets the stage for an interesting docket tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM, when Contini comes out and the State asks for a ruling on the first case to be called.  Contini could be ready with an Order, or another judge could fill in so the docket can be heard, pending a decision on the blanket motion.

Lots of wrinkles on this one, so we’ll be back later once we figure out the back story, as well as the different paths the judges can take if it’s decided they want to support Contini, and can legally keep him in his current assignment …

Who is Zachary Bailey?

(No relation to Bailey legal family)

Justices Kennedy and Breyer are a whole lot smarter than you

Hitler Reacts To The Last Grateful Dead Shows in Chicago

   Barbara McCarthy                   Eric Beller                         Cindy Imperato

Introducing a new JAABLOG feature, designed to introduce readers to judges up for reelection in 2016, and an opportunity for commentators to post thoughts and recommendations.  They’ll be coming at you in groups of three.  Enjoy!

Florida Supreme Court says 70 years is too many under Graham

Laura Watson’s latest bombshell:

Judge Watson’s Notice of Direct Criminal Contempt by The Florida Bar and Judicial Qualifications Commission

-and-

Motion to Reject the Report and Recommendations of the JQC Based Upon Perjury, Fraud, Spoliation of Evidence, and Numerous Violations of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, and Other Related Relief

Add another high-powered name to the list of potential candidates hoping to replace Howard Forman as Clerk of Court.  Former chief judge Vic Tobin told us earlier today he’s seriously considering a run, joining Richard Kaplan, Liz McHugh, Mitch Ceaser, Iris Siple, and Forman’s wife Brenda Forman as a potential candidate.

Developing …

The following names have been sent to Rick Scott for the current county court opening:

Nick Davis, Donald Gelin, Michele Ricca, Nina Di Pietro, Ernest Kollra, Richard Sachs …