First District Court of Appeal Judge Paul M. Hawkes went on a Tallahassee radio morning show to “dispel” erroneous reports about the opulent new courthouse he’s helped build.

Asked if he was forced to step down as chief judge, Hawkes did not answer. Asked again, he said his is not a job with a boss, nobody could force him to give up his leadership position.

He called back later, off air, and told the producer that he wanted to clarify what he said, actually Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles T. Canady had asked for his resignation as chief.
 

Listen to the interview on WFLA's website -- scroll down to the segment under the Tuesday, Nov. 23 archive.

Hawkes stepped down Friday, seven months ahead of schedule. He remains on the court. Read the full story on Hawkes stepping down by Times senior correspondent Lucy Morgan.