Inquiry Concerning a Judge, No. 03-98 re Andrews

Summary

The Florida Supreme Court approved the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s recommendation that Judge Robert Lance Andrews receive a public reprimand for making inappropriate statements to a reporter about Novartis Pharmaceuticals while presiding over discovery proceedings. The Court found that the admitted conduct evidenced bias and violated Canons 1, 2, and 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, and ordered Judge Andrews to appear for administration of the reprimand.

Holdings

1. The JQC's findings that Judge Andrews's statements evidenced bias against Novartis and violated canons 1, 2, and 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct were supported by clear and convincing evidence.
2. A public reprimand was an appropriate sanction for Judge Andrews's misconduct.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the JQC's findings that Judge Andrews violated the Code of Judicial Conduct were supported by clear and convincing evidence.
2. Whether a public reprimand was the appropriate discipline for Judge Andrews's judicial misconduct.

Disposition

approved