That's the difficult question facing the federal judges in our district right now.
I previously reported on the short list for Magistrate Judge in West Palm Beach. This short list was recommended by a committee appointed by our Chief Judge. Last week, the district judges interviewed the five finalists (as is the practice in the Southern District of Florida). After the interviews, the 16 active judges voted on who would be the next Magistrate Judge.
The usual procedure would have the announcement that very day, but strangely I didn't hear that evening who got the nod. And my sources weren't talking.
Now we've found out why -- the vote ended in a tie* with no tie-breaking procedure. And no one is budging.
So now what? Our jury of judges seem to be hung.
Any advice for our brothers and sisters on the bench?
Do we need a good Allen charge for this situation?
Members of the Judiciary: I'm going to ask that you continue your deliberations in an
effort to agree on a magistrate judge. And I have a few additional
comments I’d like for you to consider as you do so. Remember at all times that no district judge is expected to give up an honest belief
about the merits of an applicant. But after fully considering the
interviews and application, you must agree upon a magistrate judge if you can. You should not be hurried in your deliberations and should take all the time
you feel is necessary.
I now ask that you retire once again and continue your deliberations with
these additional comments in mind. Apply them in conjunction with all the other
instructions I have previously given to you.
*I have heard conflicting stories about whether the tie is 8-8 between two candidates of 5-5-5 (with one judge not voting) for three candidates. Because I can't get confirmation on the vote, I am not posting the names just yet.