Inquiry Concerning a Judge JQC Nos. 2022-429, 2022-461 & 2022-502 Re: Hon. Mardi Levey Cohen

Summary

The Florida Supreme Court approved an amended stipulation and findings concerning Broward County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen's misconduct during her 2022 reelection campaign. The court found that she disseminated unverified accusations against her opponent and retaliated against a church by submitting an IRS complaint and falsely suggesting it came from the IRS. The court imposed a 10-day unpaid suspension and ordered a public reprimand.

Holdings

1. The Court held that the record supported the Commission's factual findings and legal conclusions that Judge Cohen's campaign conduct violated Canons 1, 2A, 7A(3)(b), and 7A(3)(e)(ii) of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. The Court approved the amended stipulation and amended findings and recommendations, suspended Judge Cohen from judicial duties for 10 days without pay, and ordered her to appear before the Court for a public reprimand.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the record supported the Judicial Qualifications Commission's factual findings and legal conclusions that Judge Cohen violated Canons 1, 2A, 7A(3)(b), and 7A(3)(e)(ii) of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. Whether the Court should accept the amended stipulation and the Commission's recommended discipline of a 10-day unpaid suspension and public reprimand.

Disposition

approved