… We have yet to consider whether and how a public employee’s political campaign to replace her supervisor impacts her
interest in criticizing that supervisor. Although we recognize that
an employee seeking public office has a strong interest in criticizing
the elected official currently holding that position, we believe the
employer’s interest in effective management outweighs the employee’s interest when the employee’s criticisms are likely to frustrate the employer’s mission. Because we conclude that Green’s
criticisms of Finkelstein fit this mold, we conclude that her termination cannot support a claim for retaliation in violation of the First
Amendment. We therefore affirm the judgment of the district
court …

GREEN V. FINKELSTEIN (7/17/23)

We’re told former ASA Jessica Marra has been appointed to the circuit court to replace Patti Henning …

*UPDATE* Dean Nunez-Navarro PR Wire (7/5/23)

-‐——‐———————————————-

Former 17th and 9th Circuit circuit court judge Tarlika Nunez-Navarro continues her outstanding career trajectory by becoming St. Thomas Law School’s new Dean.

We’re told Tarlika has accepted the position at her alma mater, and has reportedly resigned her judgeship in Orlando as of Friday. When contacted by text earlier today, Nunez-Navarro declined comment.

The move is a huge opportunity for Tarlika. As head of a private law school, a commensurate paycheck should go along with the job, in addition to tenure. We’re sure she will likely teach, as she has in the Orlando area, but as fundraising is typically a large part of a deanship, her undeniably powerful statewide relationships make her well-suited for the position, and point to an even brighter future.

All of this is still unconfirmed, so look for an official announcement soon.

WELL DONE!

We’re told Mark Speiser will be tagging in for Lisa Porter as the latest senior judge covering Liz Scherer’s division. Scherer’s still a judge for a couple more days, after which the JNC will open her seat for applications …

WELCOME BACK, MARK!

As rumored in the comments section of JAABLOG, Liz Scherer joins the long list of Broward judges with JQC problems. The cause: her behavior during the Parkland case.

The recommendation is for a public reprimand.

Scherer, whose resignation becomes official June 30th, has already left the building, with senior judge Lisa Porter being paid to cover her docket until the end of the month.

Will the Supreme Court accept the stipulated agreement between Scherer and the JQC? Or will they up the penalty to send the strongest possible message to Florida’s judiciary handling the most serious cases? Will the Florida Bar get involved? Or will the entire matter be dismissed due to Scherer’s impending resignation?

WAIT AND SEE …

(The JQC retains jurisdiction for one year after a judicial resignation)

ALL DOCUMENTS JQC v. SCHERER

WPLG Channel 10 (May 10, 2023):

” … Chief Judge Jack Tuter praised Scherer in a statement to Local 10 News Wednesday afternoon.

“Judge Scherer approached me last year to advise she would soon be leaving the bench,” Tuter said. “During her service, Judge Scherer handled one of the most challenging cases in Broward County’s history. She did so in a professional and dignified manner … “ (emphasis added)

US News & World Report (May 13, 2022):

” … But Bill Gelin, a Fort Lauderdale defense attorney who writes for a blog on Broward courthouse news, said Tuter should have scrapped the random process and assigned a more-experienced judge or got the prosecutors and defense attorneys to agree on one.

“This is not a Scherer problem; this is a chief judge problem,” Gelin said … “

Who wants to join the $200,000 club of elected officials?

State Attorney, Public Defender, and Clerk of Courts are all up in 2024.

There’s a lucrative pension, health benefits that can’t be beat, plus $202,400 annually for SAO & PDO, and $203,466 for the Clerk. And don’t forget – all the free rubber chicken you can eat on the banquet circuit.

Harold Pryor has already submitted his paperwork for a 2024 run, and Brenda Forman has too. Gordon Weekes will also most assuredly be seeking reelection.

Will the elite, highest paid constitutional officers in the Broward courthouse face opposition in 2024? Or will they go unopposed?

WAIT AND SEE …

Salaries of Elected County Constitutional Officers 2022-23

COMING SOON – $1500 bonus, or a an $18,000 raise?; Say it ain’t so, Joe D’Amico!; Harold Pryor’s Report Card; “Fan sites, web logs or blogs and portable websites do not qualify as media“; JAABLOG Judge By Judge – Rate The Broward Judges:

LA TIMES – How a convicted murderer’s bid for freedom sparked a fight between L.A. County judges

As L.A. County Superior Court Judge Daniel Lowenthal was weighing the case — including the discovery of information that arguably should have been turned over to Flint more than 15 years ago — he received a motion to disqualify him from hearing the proceedings.

The motion wasn’t written by the prosecutor in the case. Its author was Connolly, his fellow justice …

*UPDATE*:

____________________________________________________________

A cameraman and what appears to be a producer or development type person have been stationed in Liz Scherer’s courtroom all morning. The producer/development type was dour, and both her and the cameraman steadfastly refused to offer up any information or even hints as to their mission. The cameraman stated “Im working for myself,” while the woman was taking long, detailed notes as the morning progressed.

As the docket concluded, we asked for permission to take a photo of the media activity. The request was granted by Liz in part, after the woman told the judge she didn’t want her picture taken, despite being part of a team filming everyone else all morning. For his part, the cameraman agreed to have his picture taken, while promptly hiding behind his equipment, as pictured above.

JAABLOG was then escorted from the courtroom as it was being locked, with the camera crew being allowed to remain after requesting access to a conference room.

Additionally, the bailiff today was in full dress, and the judge was her usual highly telegenic self.

We’ve made a public records request to Court Administrator Joe D’Amico as to the identity of the crew, and will update when we get a response …

*UPDATE* –

Press Release (5/17)

SS – DeSantis appoints four new South Florida judges (5/17)

_________________________________________

We’re told are Broward’s newest circuit court judges, replacing Linda Alley and Charlie Greene …

(JAABLOG will update following the official announcement from the Governor’s Office)

COMING SOON – three more new circuit court judges …

LA TIMES – Inmates leaving California prisons may be armed with Narcan to reduce overdose risk