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Hawkins Fights Order Removing Her From The Bench

2ndcircuit.leoncountyfl.gov

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.

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Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas.  She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. 

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