@PatriciaMazzei
The Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday gave a Miami-Dade County judge a surprise taste of her own bitter medicine.
Tasked with signing off on Judge Jacqueline Schwartz's recommended punishment for telling a store owner last year to “go f--- yourself,” the state’s high court told Schwartz — politely — to do the same.
Instead of letting the judge go with a public reprimand and apology letter, the court opined Schwartz should also be suspended without pay for 30 days and fined $10,000 — a far harsher penalty.
“Upon consideration of the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s Findings and Recommendation of Discipline and the parties’ Stipulation, the Court rejects the Stipulation and disapproves the proposed sanctions,” the court wrote in its 4-3 decision.
Schwartz and the qualifications commission, which had agreed to the recommended sanctions, have 30 days to accept the court’s stiffer terms. Otherwise, the case would go back to the commission for a new hearing.
“Judge Schwartz respects the Supreme Court and will follow any decision that they render,” said her attorney, Richard Baron.
More here.
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