Seminole judge reprimanded by FL Supreme Court
TALLAHASSEE (FOX 13) - It was a judicial scolding heard around the country. Seminole Circuit Judge Jerri Collins ordered a domestic violence victim be hauled off to jail for not showing up to testify against her abusive husband.
Judge Collins: Why didn't you show up for court?
Victim: My anxiety
Judge Collins: You think you have anxiety now? You haven't seen anxiety.
The victim begged and pleaded for mercy, but received neither.
"Judge, I'll do anything, please," the victim said tearfully in court after Judge Collins sentenced her to three days in the county jail.
Now, the tables have turned on the judge. She went before the Florida Supreme Court, Tuesday, for several ethical violations.
A much calmer, meeker Judge Collins stood silently in front of the Florida Supreme Court.
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga lead Collins' public scolding.
"I cannot emphasize enough how intolerable your behavior was in this case," Justice Labarga said. "We ordered you here today to be publicly reprimanded, on live television, so that the people of Florida know and understand that conduct such as yours will not be tolerated."
"You raised your voice, used sarcasm, spoke harshly and interrupted the victim," Labarga continued. "Sentenced her to spend three days in jail, even though the victim pleaded with you that she needed to take care of her 1-year-old child."
Judge Collins admitted she went too far and was remorseful. Before she was excused, Justice Labarga left her with a stern reminder.
"Judge Collins, this is indeed a sad day for you, a sad day for the people of Florida and a sad day for our judiciary, upon our people depend on justice," Labarga concluded.