On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court publicly reprimanded Orange County Judge Martha Cannon Adams for inappropriate conduct toward members of the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office. The decision followed a stipulation and disciplinary recommendations submitted by the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC), which the court accepted.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Martha Cannon Adams,” with case number SC2025-0278.
The JQC found that Judge Adams exhibited biased, impatient, and discourteous behavior while presiding over criminal cases. Specifically, she directed unprofessional remarks at assistant state attorneys, including calling one an “ass” and threatening to disrupt the life of a State Attorney’s Office employee. Adams also suggested that the State Attorney’s Office was plotting to remove her from the bench, stating she would need to act harshly in her rulings as a result.
These actions were deemed violations of Canons 1, 2A, 3B(4), and 3B(5) of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which require judges to maintain integrity, impartiality, and respectful treatment of all parties.
The Supreme Court noted that such behavior typically warrants stricter penalties, but mitigating factors influenced the decision to impose a public reprimand. Judge Adams, who has served 17 years on the bench, had no prior disciplinary issues or similar complaints. She expressed remorse and issued written apologies to those affected by her conduct. The JQC determined that, given these circumstances, a suspension was not necessary.
The court ordered Judge Adams to appear for the public reprimand at a date to be set by the court clerk.
The JQC was represented by Chair Gregory W. Coleman, Vice Chair Hon. Gary Flower, and Assistant General Counsel Hugh R. Brown. Judge Adams was represented by attorney Thomas D. Sommerville of Orlando.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
