Attention-Getting Broward Judge in Anna Nicole Smith Case Resigns

Jun 19, 01:23 PM

Current Headlines: By Paula Mcmahon, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Jun. 19--FORT LAUDERDALE -- Broward Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin -- who gained notoriety for his tearful televised performance in the Anna Nicole Smith case -- is leaving the bench on July 31.

In a June 13 resignation letter released Tuesday, Seidlin was short on specifics, but fueled rumors circulating for weeks that he was planning to resign to pursue a career on TV. In his letter he said he considered himself to be "among the most fortunate people on earth."

"It is now time for me to devote more of my daily life to my own young family and to pursue the many opportunities that have been offered to me outside the judicial system, and I have disregarded until now," Seidlin wrote to Gov. Charlie Crist.

"While these opportunities are varied, they all share in common a further commitment to helping my fellow citizens through roles in the educational system, the media and non-profit organizations."

Seidlin, 57, of Fort Lauderdale, wouldn't elaborate as he left his chambers for lunch around noon Tuesday.

"The letter speaks for itself," Seidlin said. He would not comment further.

His attorney, Dave Bogenschutz also declined to say what exactly the judge plans to do. Shortly after the judge came to prominence, CBS national Saturday morning show wrote and invited him to consider taking on a TV judge spot on that channel. It is not clear whether he got other offers.

Seidlin has served on the Broward bench for 29 years. During the Smith case, which was televised live, he came under serious criticism for what many said was an overly informal and emotional conduct in a court case. He was the subject of two unflattering skits on Saturday Night Live.

Many viewers appeared to find him entertaining and applauded his obvious concern for Smith's little girl, Dannielynn. But others were shocked by some of his comments. Leaning back in his chair in his chambers, he said that Smith's dead "body belongs to me now" and "that baby is in a cold, cold storage room."

One New York tabloid labeled him the "wacky judge" and controversy swirled on dozens of online message boards as readers and viewers weighed in with their opinions.

Seidlin has always had a local reputation for being eccentric. He was well known for his love of tennis and some local attorneys joked that he spent as much time on the tennis courts at Holiday Park as he did in the courtroom.

Seidlin grew up in the Bronx. His dad was an interior decorator and his mom was a secretary. While he was in college he helped pay for tuition by driving a Yellow Cab around New York City. He also worked as an accountant and attended law school at night.

After moving to Broward County, he worked as a prosecutor and legal adviser to the then-sheriff. He was first elected county court judge in 1978 and believes he was the youngest, at 28, in Florida. In 1989, he was appointed circuit judge. Seidlin, who is married to Belinda, has a 6-year-old daughter, Dax.

Both Broward judges who handled the Smith case have announced they are quitting. Circuit Judge Lawrence Korda announced last week that he was leaving the bench, just months after he was ticketed for smoking marijuana in a Hollywood Park. Korda briefly handled part of the paternity dispute over Smith's infant daughter while Seidlin presided over the legal battle about Smith's remains.

Last month, Korda apologized for his conduct and reached an agreement with prosecutors that will lead to the misdemeanor case being dismissed in November if he passes six months of random drug testing. He has completed 25 hours of community service and about 10 hours of group meetings in a drug and alcohol awareness course.

In March, Seidlin and Korda switched judicial assignments. Seidlin moved to the family division and Korda went to the probate division.

Staff writer Tonya Alanez contributed to this report.

Staff writer Paula McMahon can be reached at pmcmahon@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4533.

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