On Monday, July 8, 2024, the Orlando Sentinel reported that a self-published book alleging impropriety in a central Florida circuit court had become an issue in a Broward County judicial race.
The book, published last year by a former employee of Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, leveled criticism at the judges he used to work with. Lauren Peffer, an attorney running for circuit court judge in Broward County, had previously cited the book on the campaign trail as evidence of a lack of public trust in the judiciary. However, Peffer has now stopped mentioning the book after learning its central allegations are disputed.
While campaigning, Peffer also provided a recording that she said supported her argument about public confidence in the courts. The recording purportedly captured a phone conversation between Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and Lisa Munyon, chief administrative judge of the Ninth Circuit. Both Munizon and Muniz have denied the authenticity of the recording. It has since been referred to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for a criminal investigation into its fake nature.
Experts who listened to the recording said it was clearly not genuine. Retired judge Tom Lynch called the conversation “certainly unethical” and said sharing such a discussion would be illegal. University of Miami law professor Anthony Alfieri agreed the recording should not factor into the judicial race, saying candidates must establish facts through diligence rather than spreading misrepresentations.
The book itself also appears to have had little real impact, as its Amazon page lacks any outside reviews. Both Peffer’s opponent, Emilio Benitez, and the Florida Supreme Court have declined to comment further. Going forward, Peffer says she will stop citing the book, though maintains its initial accusations underline needed reforms to restore trust in the judiciary.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
