Broward Judges Need Better Judgment

The biggest problem at the much-maligned Broward County Courthouse isn't the supposed mold, rats, bursting pipes and antiquated elevators.

Turns out the biggest problem remains judges with questionable judgment.

In the past week, we've seen the state's judicial watchdog agency bring formal charges against two Broward circuit judges — Dale Cohen and Ana Gardiner — for alleged misconduct.

Each could be removed from the bench, with Gardiner likely in deeper trouble because she also is accused of giving "misleading" answers under oath to the Judicial Qualifications Commission.

And last month, we had Broward Circuit Judge Susan Lebow toss a death-penalty murder case after she got into a dispute with the prosecutor. Her decision seemed an abuse of discretion and a miscarriage of justice, especially for the victim's family. Her not-guilty verdict is being appealed, but at this point Lebow faces no investigation of or sanctions for her actions.

The Broward judiciary finds itself under the microscope again, nearly three years after a string of embarrassing incidents led longtime chief judge Dale Ross to step aside in the middle of his term.

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Broward Judges Need Better Judgment