Already facing a hearing on several allegations of professional misconduct, controversial attorney Jack Thompson is once again in trouble with the Florida Bar.

GamePolitics has learned that a complaint filed by the Miami judge who oversaw last October's Bully suit has been upheld by the Florida Bar. The complaint was subsequently filed with the Florida Supreme Court, which in turn has assigned it to a Miami judge for trial. If the complaint is upheld at that level Thompson could face professional sanctions.

The Bar's action is based on a complaint filed against Thompson last November by Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Ronald Friedman. It addresses Thompson's conduct during the anti-game attorney's unsuccessful bid to have Rockstar's Bully declared a public nuisance. In the photo at left, Thompson is seen in Judge Friedman's courtroom during the Bully case.

In its complaint, the Bar alleges that Thompson made statements about Judge Friedman's qualifications and integrity that were false or made with "a reckless disregard as to (their) truth." The Bar also maintains that Thompson made statements about Friedman in an attempt to "disparage  or humiliate" and intimidate the jurist. Thompson's comments cited in the 15-page complaint include:

What you conducted in your chambers, Judge, was the equivalent of Iran leading UN weapons inspectors around the country taking them places where the illegal activity was not occurring.

The behavior of this judge was abominable. which was made all the worse by the fact that he engaged in these childish antics in front of the media in the courtroom.

Here's a tip, Judge, I don't just practice law. I save lives from reckless jurists like you.

You missed the gay sex... I'm sure the voters are going to love that. Go ahead, Judge. File your bar complaint. Make my day.

The Bar also alleges that Thompson ignored a requirement to respond to the Bar's investigation of the complaint filed by Judge Friedman. Asked for comment, Thompson told GP:

I will beat it, just as I am about to beat all the others. 

Norm Kent, a Fort Lauderdale attorney and longtime legal opponent of Thompson's said:

For those of us that have tirelessly opposed Mr. Thompson's unprofessional conduct and disgraceful behavior, the latest Florida Bar complaint represents a vindication of our efforts.

According to the Florida Supreme Court docket, Judge Dava Tunis of the 11th Judicial Circuit has been appointed to hear the case. Judge Tunis' report is due by September 17th.

For his part, Thompson filed a federal lawsuit against the Florida Bar last week, alleging a pattern of harassment based on Thompson's long-running battles against shock radio and video game violence.

By way of background, the progress of the Bully case was covered in-depth on GamePolitics as it unfolded last Fall.