A Florida judge’s attempt at courtroom comedy has landed him in hot water, with a suspension looming for his cringeworthy antics. Broward County Circuit Court Judge Gary Farmer, a former Democrat state senator, thought “G-rated dad jokes” and racy remarks would lighten the mood, but the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (FJQC) wasn’t laughing. Turns out, actions have consequences.
The FJQC is suspending Farmer without pay, effective 11:59 p.m. Monday, for inappropriate remarks, biased conduct, and shirking his judicial duties. An investigation kicked off in October 2024, with a probable cause hearing in December confirming the need for action. Farmer’s suspension, recommended a month ago, is now pending a disposition hearing, New York Post reported.
Farmer’s courtroom behavior was anything but judicial. On August 15, 2024, he mocked a defendant expecting three kids with different women, joking about his romantic escapades. “OK, you’ve been busy. You were just shooting all over the place!” Farmer quipped, as if felony court were open mic night.
Farmer didn’t stop there. He told the same defendant he’d order him to “wear a condom at all times,” adding a sarcastic “I’m kidding” to dodge accountability. When woke culture demands sensitivity, Farmer’s cavalier attitude shows why rules exist.
In another case, Farmer serenaded defendant Georgia Smith with a “Sweet Georgia” tune, tossing in references to peaches and weed. “You’re supposed to say ‘peachy,’” he teased, as if court were a stage for his stand-up routine. This isn’t justice—it’s a mockery.
Farmer’s attorney admitted the judge made the remarks, claiming they were meant to “lighten tension” and show “humanity.” “They generally are G-rated dad jokes,” the attorney argued, but conceded some were “racy.” G-rated or not, the FJQC found them unfit for a judge’s robe.
Farmer’s August 15 antics included quoting an “In Living Color” sketch mocking gay people, later claiming he forgot his mic was on. He apologized, but the damage was done. Forgetting the mic? That’s a convenient excuse for a seasoned judge.
He also tossed out groaners like “Spring is here. I got so excited I wet my pants.” Corny? Sure. But when you’re denying due process and showing bias, as the FJQC accused, bad jokes are the least of your problems.
The FJQC slammed Farmer for damaging the judiciary’s reputation with his “extensive misconduct.” “Judge Farmer has demonstrated a present unfitness to serve,” investigators stated, and they’re right. The courtroom isn’t a comedy club, and litigants deserve better.
Farmer’s apologies during the probable cause hearing and through his attorney ring hollow. Admitting to “racy” jokes doesn’t erase the harm of mocking defendants or quoting offensive sketches. Sincere remorse doesn’t start with “I forgot the mic was on.”
Beyond jokes, Farmer failed to show up for work, exceeding his 30-day judicial leave allowance. The FJQC noted he didn’t devote full time to his duties, leaving litigants and lawyers in the lurch. If you can’t handle the bench, step aside.
Farmer’s bias and predetermination further eroded trust. The FJQC found he denied due process, a cornerstone of justice. When a judge picks favorites or prejudges, the system crumbles.
The Florida Supreme Court’s commission backed the FJQC, suspending Farmer without pay. His antics have tarnished the judiciary’s image, and the public deserves judges who respect the robe. Farmer’s suspension sends a clear message: shape up or ship out.
Farmer’s attorney tried to spin the jokes as harmless, but the FJQC saw through the deflection. “Exceptionally, exceptionally bad jokes,” a court filing called them, and that’s generous. Bad taste is one thing; bad judgment is another.
As Farmer faces his suspension, the lesson is clear: the courtroom demands dignity, not dad jokes. His fall from grace shows what happens when ego overshadows duty. Let’s hope the next judge keeps the gavel, not the punchline.
