On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Broward County Judge Lauren Peffer filed an answer to amended formal charges brought against her by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC). The charges allege violations of Canon 7A(3)(b) of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which addresses the integrity of judicial candidates during elections.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Lauren Peffer,” with case number SC2025-0647.
In her response, Judge Peffer denied the accusation that she exhibited a “win at all costs” mentality during her campaign for a county court seat in Broward County. A first-time judicial candidate, she ran against an opponent known for his work in child advocacy and criminal defense. Peffer emphasized that both candidates maintained a respectful and professional relationship throughout the election process.
As part of her campaign, Judge Peffer participated in an interview with the Sun Sentinel, where she discussed three major challenges facing the judicial system in Broward County. She identified “Ensuring Equity and Fair Treatment,” “Rebuilding Trust and Confidence,” and “Enhancing Public Awareness and Education” as key issues. In her written responses, Peffer noted the judiciary’s image crisis highlighted by recent developments in the Ninth Circuit and stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the judicial system.
During her interview with the Sun Sentinel’s editorial board, Judge Peffer referenced a book critical of the justice system, although she admitted that she had not read it. She maintained that her intention was not to endorse the book’s views but rather to use it as an example of criticism directed at the judiciary.
After the editorial board interview, Judge Peffer provided a link to a recording that had been forwarded to her by another lawyer. She acknowledged that she had not thoroughly listened to the recording before sharing it, but recalled that it criticized the judiciary. In her response to the JQC proceedings, Peffer indicated that upon careful review, she realized the recording was a “deep fake.”
In addressing the specific allegations, Judge Peffer admitted to several points. She acknowledged that she did not research the claims made by the former Ninth Judicial Circuit employee before referencing them and confirmed that she did not read the book or listen attentively to the entire recording prior to sharing it. However, she denied facilitating any misleading narratives associated with the recording.
Moreover, Judge Peffer confirmed her attendance at a judicial election training session conducted by the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee (JEAC), during which she was instructed on promoting public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. She refuted any claims that she ignored the JEAC’s guidance.
In her response, Peffer admitted to certain facts, such as not speaking directly with the former Ninth Judicial Circuit employee or any of the judges mentioned in the book. She recognized that she had not taken steps to verify the legitimacy of the recording before sharing it with the editorial board.
Peffer’s campaign themes included a commitment to rebuilding trust and confidence in the judicial system through transparency and accountability. She concluded her response by denying any violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
