The Friday Whine is a casual blog and contains three things: An ethics update, a legal profession update, and wine recommendation. If you see text in blue, it is a link to an article or information.
Ethics
Judge Wins Election, Receives Order to Show Cause
Judge Dana Santino won her judicial election in Palm Beach by attacking criminal defense lawyer Greg Lerman (full disclosure, I represented Greg Lerman in this proceeding). The attacks were so egregious that the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) not only filed a complaint, but sought the judge’s removal.
There were depositions, and a hearing, and yesterday the JQC issued their recommendation – removal.
While it’s news that the JQC would recommend removal for attacking a criminal defense lawyer during a campaign (although there was other conduct, like the refusal to seriously acknowledge the misconduct), the bigger news is that within one hour of the filing of the recommendation in the Supreme Court of Florida, the Court issued an Order to Show Cause to Judge Santino to show why the recommendation should not be upheld. I hope Judge Santino’s counsel explains to her that this wasn’t really an Order to Show Cause, but rather a “dear judge, resign,” letter.
Good riddance.
Legal Profession
Court Has Returned To The Florida Keys
Great story in the Miami Herald about the re-opening of court this week after Hurricane Irma.
Many inmates, who would have been released within a day of their arrest for various petty crimes, got stuck in jail when courts in the Keys closed. All the inmates were evacuated, and have now been returned to Monroe County.
The story is a tribute to the fact that courts require judges and lawyers, and to a lesser importance – actual courtrooms, and lawyers in suits.
Wine
Welcome Back, Australia
Between 2004 and 2007, great red wine was being produced in Australia. Then it fell off a cliff for the most part.
One of the best producers in Australia is/was Torbreck. The winemaker, David Powell, left, and has now resurfaced with his own label – Powell & Son.
He came to Miami this week and I had the opportunity to try his wines. Two whites and 3 reds. I went because I wanted to support this new venture, but wasn’t expecting much.
The wines were great.
Not only are the wines – all of them, great, but they are also reasonably priced.
The Riverside blend, at $23, is outstanding, so is the Shiraz, at $35.
All the wines are available at Wolfe’s