Florida Bar Recommends 10-year Disbarment for Jack Thompson; Don’t Start Dancing in the Streets Just Yet

Gamers might be happy to know that yesterday a Florida court hearing presided over by Judge Dava Tunis recommended that Jack Thompson be banned from practicing law and be eligible to reapply ten years from now. If this is upheld, Thompson will not be able to practice law in the state of Florida for the next decade, but that does not mean that he cannot in other states where he has applied. It will look bad on him, but not keep him from practicing law elsewhere.

During the proceedings, it was reported by GamePolitics that Thompson first argued over where the podium would be placed and then stormed out of the hearing after the judge said he could submit his 4,500 word objection to the court but not read it aloud. Thompson also claimed that Judge Dava Tunis had “no right to hear his case” before he threw said hissy fit.

Because he left the courtroom, Thompson was unable to argue any mitigating factors to the Bar’s recommendation for disbarment, and Judge Dava Tunis’ recommendation will be included in her official report. The report is due to be submitted to the Florida Supreme Court by September 2.

Over on Kotaku, they have posted the 14-page objection written by Thompson and here is an excerpt:

“I am ‘guilty’ of being right and ahead of the curve when it came to Howard Stern and as to Grand Theft Auto. Because I took on Bar complainant, Al Cardenas, the Howard Stern Show is off terrestrial radio and his influence diminished,” said the soon-to-be-not-lawyer.

“Because I took on this cop-killing, woman-bashing video game, the Presidential race is now addressing the issue and this particular video game. Try to get me disbarred. Go ahead, do your worst, Referee Tunis. I will continue to do my best.”

I completely forgot about the Howard Stern thing. Another reason for me to egg Thompson if I ever see him walking down the sidewalk.

If the Florida Supreme Court takes these recommendation to heart and does indeed disbar him, we still will not hear the end of it – at least until he is disbarred in every state in which he has a license to practice law. Although based out of Florida, he received permanent disbarment from practicing law in Alabama in 2005 according to ars technica. So lets keep our fingers crossed that once he looses in Florida, that will be the end of his law career – however even if that happens, we will probably never be rid of him.

Via: GamePolitics