Disbarment
Jack Thompson, the Florida lawyer noted for his activism against video games, rap music, and Howard Stern was permanently disbarred for various charges of misconduct. The action was the result of several grievances claiming that Thompson had made defamatory, false statements and attempted to humiliate, embarrass, harass or intimidate his opponents. The order was made on September 25, 2008, effective October 25. However, Thompson attempted to appeal to the higher courts in order to avoid the penalty actually taking effect. Neither the US District court, nor the US Supreme Court would hear his appeal, rendering the judgment of the Florida Supreme Court final.
Jabez P. Thompson
Thompson was first elected to the assembly in 1882 as a supporter of William Whiteway. He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1885 as an independent, supporting Whiteway, and in 1889 was elected as a Liberal. He was reelected in 1893 and was named Surveyor-general, serving in the cabinet of Daniel Joseph Greene. He resigned his seat in 1895 to allow Robert Bond to run for a seat in the assembly. He was named a stipendiary magistrate for Brigus that same year and moved to Conception Bay. In 1900, he ran unsuccessfully for the Port-de-Grave seat in the assembly as a Liberal. Thompson retired from his position as magistrate in 1934. He died in Brigus four years later.