Florida Judges: A Long History of Corruption & Abuse of Power

From Bribery to Nepotism, the Sunshine State’s Judges Have Faced Numerous Allegations of Misconduct, Eroding Public Trust in the Judiciary

 Florida has a well-earned reputation for having a high number of corrupt judges in the highest courts. This persistent problem has led to numerous investigations, convictions, and public scandals that have eroded public trust in the state’s legal system. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single reason for this issue, several factors contribute to the problem, including political influence, judicial elections, and a lack of oversight.

Florida is one of a few states that elect judges. This process can be highly politicized, with candidates often relying on campaign contributions from special interests and political parties. This can lead to judges feeling indebted to their donors and making decisions that favor them rather than upholding the law impartially. Additionally, political connections can influence judicial appointments, leading to the selection of unqualified or corrupt individuals.

Why Does Florida Have a High Number of Corrupt Judges

1. Lack of Accountability
One of the primary reasons for the high number of corrupt judges in Florida is the lack of accountability within the judicial system. The Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC), an independent agency created by the Florida Constitution, is responsible for investigating alleged misconduct by state judges. However, the process can be slow, and many judges manage to escape severe consequences for their actions.

2. Political Influence
Florida judges are often elected, which means they are subject to political pressures and influences. This can lead to unethical behavior, as judges may feel compelled to serve the interests of those who supported their campaigns.

3. Inadequate Oversight
The oversight mechanisms in place to monitor judicial conduct are often insufficient. The JQC operates independently and has its own set of rules, but it lacks the authority to enforce its recommendations without the approval of the Florida Supreme Court1. This can result in judges continuing to serve despite allegations of misconduct.

4. Underfunding and Overworked Courts:
Budget constraints and heavy caseloads can create an environment where judges are more susceptible to corruption. The stress and pressure to keep up with workloads can lead some judges to take shortcuts, including engaging in unethical behavior.

Additional Reason

Cronyism: The close relationships between judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys can create an environment ripe for corruption.

Campaign Finance: The influence of campaign contributions on judicial elections can create conflicts of interest

Lack of Transparency: Florida’s judicial system has been criticized for its lack of transparency, making it difficult to detect and address misconduct

Notable Cases of Judicial Corruption in Florida

1. Judge Jeffrey L. Ashton
Judge Jeffrey L. Ashton from Orange County faced allegations of misconduct, including inappropriate behavior and misuse of his position. The JQC investigated the case, and it is currently pending in the Florida Supreme Court.

2. Judge John Beamer
Judge John Beamer from Osceola County was involved in a case of judicial misconduct related to campaign violations and defamation. The JQC’s investigation revealed significant ethical breaches, and the case is under review.

3. Judge Mardi Levey Cohen
Judge Mardi Levey Cohen from Broward County faced allegations of incompetency and impropriety. The JQC’s investigation highlighted several instances of unethical behavior, and the case is pending further action.

4. Judge Wayne Culver
Judge Wayne Culver from Seminole County was involved in a high-profile case of judicial misconduct. The JQC’s investigation uncovered multiple violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, and the case is currently under review.

5. Judge Anne Marie Gennusa
Judge Anne Marie Gennusa from Putnam County faced allegations of serious ethical breaches. The JQC’s investigation revealed significant misconduct, and the case is pending in the Florida Supreme Court.

Dishonorable Mentions

Judge Matthew Destry faced criticism in 2015 for handing down unusually harsh sentences, including a 60-year sentence for a non-violent offender. An investigation revealed that Destry had received campaign contributions from the prosecution’s law firm. Destry lost his re-election bid in 2016.

Judge Mark Hulsey (Duval County)
Judge Mark Hulsey faced allegations of misconduct in 2016, including accusations of making racist and sexist comments. An investigation found that Hulsey had engaged in a pattern of misconduct, leading to his resignation.

Judge Scott DuPont
Judge Scott DuPont of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in Florida was removed from office in 2018 following a JQC investigation. DuPont was found to have engaged in improper conduct, including making inappropriate comments and exhibiting a pattern of bias in his courtroom. The case highlighted the need for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Reforms and Solutions
To address the issue of judicial corruption, experts recommend:

• Increased Transparency: Implementing measures to increase transparency, such as live-streaming court proceedings and making judicial records more accessible.
• Independent Oversight: Strengthening judicial oversight bodies to ensure they are effective in addressing misconduct.
• Campaign Finance Reform: Implementing reforms to reduce the influence of campaign contributions on judicial elections.
• Ethics Training: Providing regular ethics training for judges to reinforce the importance of maintaining a high level of integrity.

Forward Together
The high number of corrupt judges in Florida is rooted in a lack of accountability, political influence, and inadequate oversight. The Judicial Qualifications Commission plays a crucial role in investigating and addressing judicial misconduct, but more robust mechanisms are needed to ensure the integrity of the judicial system.

Corrupt judges undermine the integrity of the legal system and erode public trust in the justice system. They can lead to wrongful convictions, unfair sentencing, and the denial of justice for victims of crime. Additionally, corruption can create a climate of fear and intimidation, where individuals may be afraid to come forward and report wrongdoing.