Inquiry Concerning a Judge, No. 11-551 re: Nelson

We have for review a stipulation between the Judicial Qualifications Commission (“JQC”) and Judge Kathryn Maxine Nelson, as well as the JQC’s findings and recommendation that Judge Nelson be publicly reprimanded for violating the Code of Judicial Conduct. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 12, Fla. Const. For the reasons we explain below, we accept the stipulation and approve the JQC’s findings and recommended sanction.

I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY AND FACTS

A. Proceedings Before the JQC

This action arose when a Notice of Investigation, dated January 27, 2012, was served on St. Lucie County Court…