Mark Androvich
22:29 (BST)
04/06/2008
Florida Bar recommends 10-year disbarment for Jack Thompson
The Florida Bar has asked for an enhanced disbarment in today's disciplinary hearing of Jack Thompson - during which Thompson walked out of the courtroom after alleging that the presiding judge lacked the authority to hear his case.
If the recommendation is upheld, Thompson would be disbarred and prohibited from applying to practice law again for ten years, 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida spokesperson Eunice Sigler told Kotaku.
Thompson has gained notoriety as a crusader against violent videogames, making numerous media appearances and filing lawsuits against Take-Two, Rockstar, SCEA, Wal-Mart and others on behalf of victims of crimes he blamed on Grand Theft Auto.
In his current disciplinary hearing, Thompson claims that the judge's loyalty oath was forged and subsequent oaths were not notarised. He filed a lengthy objection which also defended his actions against violent videogames.
"I am 'guilty' of being right and ahead of the curve when it came to Howard Stern and as to Grand Theft Auto. Because I took on Bar complainant, Al Cardenas, the Howard Stern Show is off terrestrial radio and his influence diminished.
"Because I took on this cop-killing, woman-bashing videogame, the Presidential race is now addressing the issue and this particular videogame," Thompson wrote.
The judge's official report is due to the Florida Supreme Court by September 2.
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