Florida Judge Faces Ethics Charges for Racial Slur
Formal charges have been filed against Circuit Judge John E. Jordan III by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission for alleged violations of judicial canons. These charges stem from two incidents in 2025, including a racially insensitive comment made during a plea hearing, which the judge later acknowledged was ill-considered due to its connection to historical demeaning stereotypes. Additionally, Jordan faces allegations of unprofessional conduct for repeatedly telling public defenders to “shut up” during a trial, behavior deemed not patient, dignified, or courteous. The commission has recommended a public reprimand to the state supreme court.