Unmasked Judges, Lawyers Eat At Buffet, Drink, Mingle During Palm Beach Bar Association Holiday Party At PGA National Resort
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — The Palm Beach County Bar Association, despite CDC guidance, held an in-person holiday party at the PGA National Resort. Photos posted to the Bar Association’s Facebook page show attorneys and judges — some maskless — taking part in the holiday event. They are eating at a buffet, they are drinking, they are standing next to each other in photos posted to the public social media page. (Link below).
The 15th Judicial Circuit, which is Palm Beach County — remains largely in “Zoom” only mode for hearings and trials. There is an order in effect that mandates mask use in all county buildings (see below). It’s unclear why judges and attorneys would feel that it’s acceptable to party without masks, in large groups, and eat from a buffet when they are expected to be setting an example by enforcing, adhering and promoting safe practices during COVID-19. The Bar Association mission is to promote integrity among judges and lawyers.
Order In Effect:
“In compliance with Administrative Order 12.510-11/2020.17, all persons entering any of the courthouses in Palm Beach County shall wear a mask or facial covering. Open-chin triangle bandannas; neck gaiters; face coverings with vents, valves or mesh; and face shields without masks underneath are insufficient. Additionally, all masks or facial coverings must fit snugly over the nose and mouth and be secured under the chin. Any person entering the courthouses without a mask or facial covering meeting these standards will be provided with a mask. Masks must also remain on inside the courtrooms unless directed otherwise by the presiding judge for the purposes of creating a clear record, identification, or other reason deemed necessary.
This requirement will remain in effect until further order of the Chief Judge.”
See more on the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s public Facebook page. Let us know if you are a business and have been fined for COVID-19 violations by a judge or magistrate seen here or on the Facebook post. Use the form, below. If you are reading this in a news app, click here.
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