Oppression and Privilege

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A state investigative panel is questioning the impartiality of an outspoken Palm Beach County judge who frequently criticizes what he sees as racial bias in state laws, prosecutors and law enforcement.

The Judicial Qualifications Commission panel filed formal charges with the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday, alleging that Judge Barry M. Cohen has abused his position by using it as a "bully pulpit" and undermined his impartiality through his comments. The panel cited Cohen's comments from the bench, in written orders and at public forums.