State & National

Florida Supreme Court rejects reprimand deal for judge who made cotton remark

The Florida Supreme Court refused to accept a negotiated agreement that would have resulted in a public reprimand for Orlando Circuit Judge John E. Jordan, who made a comment about chopping cotton to a Black defendant. The court issued a brief order sending the matter back for further proceedings rather than accepting the joint recommendation that had been reached between Judge Jordan and the Judicial Qualifications Commission. Jordan also faces allegations of berating public defenders in open court in a manner deemed unbecoming of a judge.

Sources: WCJB TV20