TALLAHASSEE, FL—Because of her demonstrated commitment to the citizens of Leon County as well as her judicial competence, The Tallahassee Barristers Association fully supports and stands behind Judge Judith Hawkins in her efforts to remain on the Bench.


We recognize that as a judge, she is held to a higher standard than other citizens, but we also recognize that she has admitted to her mistakes and has requested a second chance.  After concluding their investigation and conducting a trial, the Judicial Qualifications Committee (JQC) recommended the following: (1) a public reprimand (2) a three month suspension without pay; and (3) a $17,000 fine.  At no point did the JQC recommend that Judge Hawkins should be removed from the bench.  In fact, the JQC, in its findings, conclusion and recommendations, stated:

since 1996, she has been efficient and innovative in dispensing justice, and is generally regarded as friendly and caring.  Judge Hawkins’ actions in creating ABC, and paying her judicial assistant’s retirement benefits, were well-intended.  She reaped no personal financial benefit.  Her actions solely stemmed from a desire to perform charitable works designed to better the community.

The threat to remove Judge Hawkins from office is very troubling. The harm of her removal is far outweighed by any possible benefit of the same. To remove Judge Hawkins from the bench only perpetuates the existing need to have our judicial system resemble the community it serves. Diversity on the bench is essential for the proper functioning of any judicial system. We as citizens should take comfort in knowing that the Judge behind that bench cares for those in front of her, that she brings into the courtroom a diverse and unique perspective, that she will be fair and impartial, yet compassionate to those before her. For those that have personally appeared before Judge Hawkins recognize that she is a teaching judge; she wants to ensure that both attorneys and litigants that step foot into her courtroom understand the law and the consequences of failing to adhere to the law. Judge Hawkins is known as the judge of second chances.


In her response to the Supreme Court’s Order to Show Cause, Judge Hawkins asked for a second chance, a second chance that she has provided to so many litigants, citizens, and attorneys that appear before her. We ask that the Florida Supreme Court give her that chance.  To deprive her of a second chance deprives those citizens who elected and reelected her that same benefit.

The Tallahassee Barristers remain steadfast in our commitment to maintain the honor and dignity of the legal profession, to practice and promote improvements to the law and the legal professions, and amongst other things, to enhance the role of Black practitioners of the law. In our view, Judge Hawkins has demonstrated this throughout her career, a career dedicated to public service.

In that vein, The Tallahassee Barristers stands in support of her and believes that there should be no enhancement of the JQC’s initial recommendation for 90 day suspension and a fine of $17,000.00.  Any further action, such as removal, is unnecessarily

 

 

  Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.