A Broward County circuit judge who presided over the trial of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz could face a public reprimand from the Florida Supreme Court because of her conduct in the case, according to documents released Monday by the Supreme Court.
Last week, Judge Elizabeth Scherer reached an agreement with an investigative panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission that would include receiving a reprimand.
The Supreme Court has the ultimate authority to determine disciplinary action.
A document filed by the panel said the investigation involved allegations that Scherer “engaged in inappropriate behavior while presiding over the penalty phase and sentencing proceedings” in the case of Cruz, who was sentenced to life in prison last year for killing 17 students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. In part, the panel said Scherer “unduly chastised defense counsel” and “embraced members of the prosecution” after Cruz was sentenced.
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“The worldwide publicity surrounding the case created stress and tension for all participants,” the panel said in its findings and recommendation of discipline. “However, regardless of the gravity of the accusations or level of attention given a matter, the commission expects that a judge will ensure due process, order and decorum, and act always with dignity and respect to promote the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. In limited instances during this unique and lengthy case, Judge Scherer allowed her emotions to overcome her judgment.”
Scherer last month announced that she would resign, effective June 30.
The panel’s findings and recommendation said the resignation was not a condition of the agreement that Scherer reached in the investigation.
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