Opinion ID: 1724219
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: on motion for extension of time to file for rehearing

Text: The motion for extension of time to file a petition for rehearing on behalf of the Judicial Qualifications Commission is hereby denied. BARKETT, C.J., and SHAW, GRIMES, KOGAN and HARDING, JJ., concur. OVERTON, J., dissents with an opinion, in which McDONALD, J., concurs. OVERTON, J., dissenting. I would grant the Judicial Qualifications Commission's motion for an extension of time to file a petition for rehearing to reconsider the footnote at the end of our opinion, which states: We do not address the question of whether Judge Fowler's conduct warrants more severe discipline. Our constitutional prerogative is limited to approving or reducing the disciplinary recommendations of the JQC. Art. V, § 12(f), Fla. Const. Page 511 n. []. The question of whether we have the authority to increase judicial discipline in this or any other judicial disciplinary proceeding was neither argued nor briefed by the parties. The Judicial Qualifications Commission has asked that it be allowed to brief and argue this issue. Because we, rather than the parties, raised this issue and made a substantive holding that can have broad ramifications beyond our decision in this case, we should allow the parties and all other interested persons an opportunity to be heard on this issue. McDONALD, J., concurs.