Leon County Circuit Judge Judith Hawkins wants the Florida Supreme Court to reconsider its decision to remove her from the bench.
Hawkins had until Friday at midnight to request a rehearing. In a request to reconsider the judgment, Hawkins writes she did not deceive the JQC and handed over all documents requested. She also says her response of “fighting the good fight” was taken out of context.
The Florida Supreme Court issued its decision to remove Hawkins from the bench two weeks ago. Hawkins sold religious books from her office to lawyers and staffers as part of her for-profit ministry.
A Judicial Qualifications Committee hearing panel initially recommended a three month suspension without pay, but the request was upped to termination after Hawkins wrote a response saying her faith instructed her, quote, like many other litigants, to hold fast to my innocence and fight the good fight."
The Florida Supreme Court said she was also deceitful and dishonest during a disciplinary hearing.
Hawkins maintains the decision to remove her from the bench is a stronger response than how courts have handled similar cases.
