Inquiry Concerning a Judge No. 00-319 re Baker

We have for review the finding of the Judicial Qualifications Commission (“JQC”) that Judge Joseph P. Baker violated Canon 3 B(7) of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits ex parte and other communications outside the presence of the parties. The JQC recommends that Judge Baker be admonished as a lesser sanction to public reprimand. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 12, Fla. Const. For the reasons expressed below, we approve the JQC’s finding.

It is undisputed that Judge Baker, while presiding over a trial between Universal Business Systems, Inc. and Disney Vacation Club…