Friday, January 15, 2016

Ex-Broward judge Watson won't get job back


Former Broward Circuit Judge Laura Watson won't be getting her job back.

Watson, who was removed from office seven months ago, had appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort to hang onto her job, arguing that the proceedings to remove her from office were flawed. Watson was accused of unilaterally negotiating a settlement with an insurance company in 2004 and freezing out fellow attorneys representing the same clients in related actions.

The Florida Bar wanted to act against Watson but waited until after legal action between her and the complaining attorneys was resolved. But soon after the Bar found probable cause to initiate its proceedings in 2012, Watson was elected to the bench.

The Bar cannot discipline judges, so the complaints were turned over to the state's Judicial Qualifications Commission, which eventually found Watson's conduct merited removal from her job.

The Florida Supreme Court forced her out last June.

The U.S. Supreme Court decided Monday not to hear Watson's appeal.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is considering candidates to replace Watson and another judge, Lynn Rosenthal, who resigned last October rather than face JQC hearings.

Full Article & Source:
Ex-Broward judge Watson won't get job back

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