Opinion ID: 1918801
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: conclusion

Text: ¶ 23. For the aforementioned reasons, this Court concludes that Kelly's behavior is unacceptable and sanctionable. This is not an issue of free speech as attorneys are required to abide by higher ethical standards of conduct and give up what normally would be considered free speech to the public at large while appearing in Court or filing documents with the Court. Zealous advocacy does not include blatant disregard or outright disrespect to the judiciary and, accordingly, will not be tolerated. Our judicial system can not properly function when lawyers demonstrate a pervasive lack of respect for judges, justices and the courts. Lawyers are thus required to show respect for the position of judge and for the institution. Due to Kelly's inability to fully accept responsibility for making false and disrespectful accusations, his repeated false statements to the Court, and his untimely motion to recuse we find that sanctions in the amount of a $1,000, and a public reprimand are appropriate. ¶ 24. DANA E. KELLY SHALL APPEAR BEFORE THIS COURT, IN OPEN COURT, ON MAY 10, 2005, AT 9:30 A.M. TO RECEIVE A PUBLIC REPRIMAND AND SHALL PAY SANCTIONS IN THE SUM OF $1,000 TO THE CLERK OF THIS COURT WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS OPINION. COBB, P.J., EASLEY, CARLSON, AND DICKINSON, JJ., CONCUR. WALLER, P.J., DIAZ, GRAVES AND RANDOLPH, JJ., NOT PARTICIPATING.