World News
Florida lawyer files judicial misconduct complaint against federal judge over pro-Israel advocacy
A complaint with the Eleventh Circuit Court accuses US District Judge Roy Altman of using judicial resources and chambers for political advocacy and showing anti-Palestinian bias.
The short version
- Florida attorney Katherine Giannamore filed a formal misconduct complaint against US District Judge Roy Altman with the Eleventh Circuit Court.
- The complaint alleges Altman misused judicial chambers and staff to promote pro-Israel advocacy and made statements reflecting anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim bias.
- Judicial misconduct complaints are reviewed by an appeals court's chief judge, who may dismiss the filing or form a committee to investigate, with potential outcomes ranging from no action to reassignment of cases.
Key facts
- Attorney Katherine Giannamore filed a judicial misconduct complaint against US District Judge Roy Altman with the Eleventh Circuit Court.[Al Jazeera]
- The complaint alleges Altman used his judicial chambers in Miami and law clerks during business hours for media appearances and political advocacy.[Al Jazeera]
- During an April podcast appearance with the Middle East Forum, Altman referred to the keffiyeh as a 'terrorism scarf'.[Al Jazeera]
- Altman was appointed to the federal bench by President Donald Trump in 2019.[Al Jazeera]
- The complaint cites Altman promoting judicial travel to Israel sponsored by the World Jewish Congress, claiming he stated at Florida International University that 10 percent of the federal judiciary has taken such trips.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Judge Roy Altman did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations in the complaint.[Al Jazeera]
- It is unknown whether the Eleventh Circuit Court will dismiss the complaint or initiate a formal investigation.[Al Jazeera]