Inquiry Concerning a Judge, No. 09-01 Re N. James Turner

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida approved the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s findings that Judge N. James Turner committed multiple ethical violations, including campaign-finance violations, unauthorized practice of law, intrusive conduct toward a subordinate employee, and improper courtroom conduct. The court held that the cumulative pattern demonstrated that Turner was unfit for judicial office and ordered his removal. The court declined to decide the First Amendment challenge to the prohibition on personal solicitation of campaign contributions because the other violations independently required removal. Chief Justice Canady, joined by Justice Polston, concurred in the result but would have held the solicitation prohibition unconstitutional and rejected the related charge.