I previously wrote about the Department of Homeland Security General Counsel who started an online “Worst of the Worst” list for judges here. It was a very odd and dangerous thing to do. Now, 128 Judges have submitted a bar complaint to James Percival’s bar, the Florida Bar association. The complaint rightly notes this post increases the danger for judges who incur the ire of this administration. The list threatens the rule of law. And, Mr. Percival’s action specifically violates Florida’s Rule 4-8.2(a). That rule bars lawyers from impugning the integrity of judges and officials.
Percival’s list is completely bizarre. It is obviously designed to exert pressure on judges, a pressure that is totally unrelated to the merits of any case. Anytime 128 judges agree on anything, you can be certain that Mr. Percival’s law license is at risk. It never ceases to amaze me how Pres. Trump constantly seems to find lawyers willing to roll the dice with their law licenses. See ABA Bar Journal report here.