(BROWARD COUNTY, FLA) — The sentencing of the Parkland shooter is over, but not the feud between the judge and the defense attorneys. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers filed a complaint yesterday against Broward Judge Elizabeth Scherer that alleges that the jurist hugged prosecutors after sentencing Cruz to life without parole.
“It’s emotional, it’s traumatic. There’s no going around it,” said Ernest Chang, president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
“The judge needs to be a neutral magistrate. To go hug one side, I think that’s inappropriate, whichever side,” he said.
The complaint also alleges that Scherer was “rude, hostile and demeaning” to Cruz’s lawyers.
Meanwhile, the Florida Bar says it is investigating one of Cruz’s public defenders, but no reason was given.
However, defense attorney Tamara Curtis held a middle finger to her face outside the presence of the judge or jury, making the confessed killer laugh.
There’s no indication that Curtis’ gesture is the reason that the Florida Bar is now admittedly investigating her.