Inquiry Concerning a Judge No. 00-319 re Baker

Summary

The Florida Supreme Court approves the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s finding that Judge Joseph P. Baker violated Canon 3 B(7) of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct by soliciting communications from computer consultants and experts about technical damages issues in a pending trial without the parties or their attorneys present. The court admonishes Judge Baker as the recommended sanction.

Holdings

1. A judge violates Canon 3 B(7) by soliciting communications from outside computer consultants or experts concerning substantive technical issues in a pending proceeding without the involvement or consent of the parties or their attorneys, unless a stated exception applies.
2. The court approved the JQC's finding and admonished Judge Baker to comply with his judicial oath and the Code of Judicial Conduct, specifically Canon 3 B(7).

Questions Presented

1. Whether Judge Baker's communications with outside computer consultants and experts concerning technical issues in a pending case violated Canon 3 B(7) of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. Whether the Supreme Court of Florida should approve the JQC's recommended sanction of admonishment.

Disposition

approved