Hit the road Jack, and don't ya come back no more...
Jack Thompson, an outspoken lawyer who many in the gaming community love to hate, will be losing his license in the next 30 days, and he will not be able to apply for a new one. You may have been following his recent trial for misconduct, leading to a conviction and subsequent recommendation for disbarment. The Florida Supreme court has agreed with the recommendation, and has basically given him 30 days to clear his office out.
The Court approves the corrected referee's report and John Bruce Thompson is permanently disbarred, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies the Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the permanent disbarment effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed.
Jack can still appeal the decision, but only if another member of the Bar signs on to the project. While it's possible, it's not looking likely.
Jack, in his usual style, has responded to the turn of events.
In response to our request for comment Thompson sent Kotaku a copy of an emergency motion he filed with the court, this despite the ruling which states that only another attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar could file a motion for rehearing on Thompson's behalf.
In the motion Thompson outlines what he hints at as a perversion of justice, one that won't allow him, for instance, to meet with a potential client who he says is an inmate in a state prison.
The motion, in a general sense, alleges that the timing of Jack's disbarment was motivated by an infringement of his rights - namely to say that they disbarred him so that he couldn't take them to federal court (which he only filed a couple weeks ago). I doubt Jack will get a more sympathetic ear at the federal level. I wonder what power he'll try to use to sue the U.S.A legal system in.
For more information on Jack Thompson's disbarment, please check here.
For more information on his response to his disbarment (and it's a funny read if you have a sense of humor), please check here.
