Inquiry Concerning a Judge, No. 01-244, re Cope

We review the findings and recommendation of the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) concerning the conduct of Circuit Judge Charles W. Cope. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 12 Fla. Const. Judge Cope contests neither the JQC’s findings nor its recommended discipline, and we approve both as detailed below. Judge Cope argues, however, that he is entitled to attorneys’ fees as the prevailing party because he admitted to the charges on which the JQC eventually found him guilty and denied those charges on which the JQC found insufficient evidence. For the reasons expressed below, we deny…