Broward County Judge Suspended for Inappropriate Conduct and Humor in Courtroom

A circuit court judge in Broward County, Florida, has been suspended following an investigation that revealed his unfitness to serve. The suspension is set to take effect next week after an advisory panel from the Florida Supreme Court concluded that Judge Gary Farmer had not only told inappropriate jokes but also exhibited biases and had poor attendance.

The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, also known as FJQC, initiated the suspension of Judge Farmer without pay, pending an upcoming disposition hearing. This move follows a recommendation made by the commission about a month ago to suspend him from office.

Effective at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, the suspension marks a significant turn in Farmer’s career, previously noted for his lengthy tenure as a state senator and member of the Democratic Party.

Controversial Remarks Under Scrutiny

The commission’s panel began an investigation in October 2024 after reports emerged detailing Farmer’s questionable comments during court proceedings. A probable cause hearing conducted in December 2024 confirmed sufficient grounds for further investigation into Farmer’s conduct.

The inquiries unveiled various instances of Farmer making comments that drew criticism for their inappropriateness. According to investigators, his conduct over time has severely tarnished the public’s perception of the judicial system, demonstrating a present unfitness to serve.

Incident Details: A Pattern of Inappropriate Jokes

In one instance from August 15, 2024, Farmer presided over a felony case where he made light of a defendant’s personal situation regarding multiple upcoming childbirths with different women. Court records indicate that Farmer, while laughing, remarked, “OK, you’ve been busy. You were just shooting all over the place!” He continued by suggesting the defendant wear a condom at all times, stating it was for his own good, before clarifying that he was just joking.

In the same hearing, he proposed that the defendant should hire a female attorney but urged him not to get her pregnant, further perpetuating a tone deemed unprofessional.

During a separate proceeding involving another defendant, Georgia Smith, Farmer reportedly broke into song, referencing a well-known tune about Georgia. He asked the defendant how she was doing and humorously expected a response while making jests about her home state.

Humor Gone Wrong: Referencing Inappropriate Content

Farmer’s remarks did not stop there. He allegedly quoted lines from a comedy sketch that ridiculed gay individuals during another felony case, igniting additional backlash from the legal community. On the same day, he made dubious jokes about the arrival of spring, saying, “Spring is here. I got so excited I wet my plants,” and another quip regarding a shirt speaking to a pair of pants.

The commission noted these instances marked Farmer’s tendency toward delivering what he termed “exceptionally bad jokes” that many considered inappropriate for a judicial setting.

Attendance Concerns and Judicial Responsibilities

Beyond the humor that landed him in hot water, Farmer faced scrutiny for his attendance record. The commission highlighted his failure to fulfill his judicial duties adequately, citing that he had exceeded the permitted 30 days of leave. Additionally, he allegedly denied litigants and lawyers their due process rights and displayed biases towards specific cases.

Despite the suspension and growing criticism, Farmer had not responded immediately to requests for comments on the situation. However, his attorney later filed a statement with the court acknowledging that Farmer essentially admitted to delivering the jokes in question. The attorney argued these remarks were intended to alleviate tension in the courtroom, suggesting they were non-offensive and consistent with the light-hearted nature of G-rated dad jokes.

Reflections on Conduct and Accountability

Farmer’s attorney noted that while some jokes may have been racy, the judge realized they were inappropriate after reflecting on the matter. During a probable cause hearing, Farmer issued apologies for his remarks, underscoring his recognition of their potential inappropriateness.

Farmer explained that he did not intend to cause discomfort and attributed his comments to a moment of forgetfulness regarding the microphone he had on. He expressed regret during the hearing, recognizing the severe implications of his behavior.

The Path Forward: A Call for Accountability in Judiciary

The suspension without pay by the Florida Supreme Court’s commission reflects a growing commitment to maintain professionalism and accountability within the judicial system. Farmer’s case serves as a reminder of the expectations held for judges and the significant impact their behavior can have on public trust. Going forward, the judicial community may benefit from increased emphasis on decorum and respect for all individuals, regardless of the circumstances presented in court.