Inquiry Concerning a Judge, re Angel

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida approved the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s recommendation that Judge Carven D. Angel receive a public reprimand for misconduct during his 2002 judicial election campaign. The court held that his participation in partisan political activities and representation of himself as a member of a political party violated section 105.071, Florida Statutes, and Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, and ordered him to appear for administration of the reprimand.

Holdings

1. The stipulated facts and Judge Angel's admissions established by clear and convincing evidence that his conduct relating to partisan political functions violated both the spirit and the letter of section 105.071 of the Florida Statutes and Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. A public reprimand was the appropriate sanction for Judge Angel's admitted partisan political activity during his judicial election campaign.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the stipulated facts established by clear and convincing evidence that Judge Angel violated section 105.071 of the Florida Statutes and Canon 7 of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. Whether the JQC's recommendation of a public reprimand was an appropriate sanction for Judge Angel's judicial-election misconduct.

Disposition

approved