The dust-up over using state employees to finalize election ballot paperwork for the merit retention of three Florida Supreme Court justices is more political jockeying than a legitimate concern over lawbreaking. A conservative legislator upset with the court is exploiting the situation by calling for a criminal investigation. In fact, public employees commonly notarize election documents, and a cursory review should suffice. Gov. Rick Scott should not inappropriately politicize the merit retention election in November … Continue reading
Amicus Briefs
Join the conversation and submit your statement in support of the Florida courts to: Amicus@FairandImpartial.com
Cursory review of three justices’ acts will do
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Tagged courts under attack, fair courts, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott, judicial elections
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Editorial: On their merit
Thirty-six years ago, Florida voters wisely approved a “merit-retention” system for state Supreme Court justices and judges on district courts of appeal. Read more here: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120508/OPINION01/120509664/-1/news?Title=Editorial-On-their-merit
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Tagged Florida, florida courts, Florida Supreme Court, judicial elections, merit retention
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Heartland Justice
We tend to think of people who play pivotal roles in the advancement of social justice — and who pay steep prices for it — as passionate advocates with intense connections to their cause. We imagine them as crusaders. Read more here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/opinion/sunday/bruni-heartland-justice.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp.
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Tagged Iowa, Iowa Supreme Court, judicial merit retention, same sex marriage
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Editorial: Judging on merit
Thirty-six years ago, a majority of Florida voters judiciously approved a “merit-retention” system for state Supreme Court justices and judges on district courts of appeal. Read more here: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120507/OPINION/305079995.
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Tagged Florida, florida courts, Florida Supreme Court, judicial elections, merit retention
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Justices fire back in controversy over their campaign paperwork
Florida’s three Supreme Court justices, who are under fire for using court staff to assist them in their last-minute completion of their paperwork needed to meet the deadline for their merit retention campaigns, shot back on Thursday with a letter from a well-regarded constitutional law expert. Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2012/05/justices-fire-back-in-controversy-over-their-campaign-paperworks.html#storylink=cpy.
Florida court rules drug testing unconstitutional second time
Governor Rick Scott will continue to challenge the justice system in Florida, and cost the taxpayers millions of dollars. This is the second time that our governor has lobbied the legislators in both Houses and pushed to get the drug testing bill passed. In 2011 and 2012, the governor has signed a bill for random drug testing for state employees, and both times the courts have ruled that the bill is unconstitutional. Read more here: http://www.thewestsidegazette.com/News/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=113517&sID=4&ItemSource=L
FL’s Fair Districts improves redistricting process, but state can go further
Friday’s Florida Supreme Court ruling that affirms the state Senate’s redistricting boundaries also points out the flaws in the system and the need for additional constitutional changes. One justice called for the establishment of an independent apportionment commission to take the process out of the hands of lawmakers who exert political influence over boundaries. That would lend greater credibility to redistricting. Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/05/02/4021338/fls-fair-districts-improves-redistricting.html#storylink=cpy.
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Tagged florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting, redistricting map
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Redistricting — legal, but flawed
In a matter of days two hurdles to holding an orderly election in November in Florida disappeared, clearing the way for candidates for 27 congressional districts, 40 state Senate seats and 120 state House seats to fire up their campaigns. Both hurdles involved the Legislature’s redistricting process, which for the first time was guided by two anti-gerrymandering constitutional amendments overwhelmingly approved by Florida voters in 2010. Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/01/2778049/redistricting-legal-but-flawed.html.
Resist special-interest purge
This year, the most dishonest, unfair campaign will be waged against three candidates who barely can fight back. Those would be Florida Supreme Court Justices R. Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince. They have been targeted by those who want a high court beholden to corporate interests. The sniping was in full view last week. Read more here: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/editorials/resist-special-interest-purge-2334409.html?cxtype=rss_editorials.
Matt Reed: Beware move to oust Florida Supreme Court justices
Brevard case shows what’s at stake for industry before today’s Supreme Court By Matt Reed, Florida Today A Supreme Court case out of Palm Bay may exemplify the type of high-stakes yet little-known litigation that’s about to inspire a corporate-funded campaign to oust Florida justices. Read more here: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20120501/COLUMNISTS0207/305010002/Matt-Reed-Beware-move-oust-justices?nclick_check=1.
Governor Rick Scott angers Fla. election supervisors over rankings push
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Florida’s election supervisors are rising up in opposition to Gov. Rick Scott in the wake of his push to rank them. State election officials have drawn up a list of rankings based on criteria that includes how quickly counties reported election results during the Jan. 31 presidential primary and when those counties set up early voting sites. Read more here: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/political/governor-rick-scott-angers-fla-election-supervisors-over-rankings-push
Florida Supreme Court rejects 25 Death Penalty appeals
25 men, including five convicted in Miami-Dade, had asked the Florida Supreme Court to toss their sentences. The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday rejected appeals by 25 men on Death Row, including five from Miami-Dade, who claimed that their lawyers were ineffective in investigating their backgrounds before sentencing. The rulings were no surprise in the legal community after justices in December issued an opinion rejecting an appeal by a Pinellas County triple murderer who sought … Continue reading
Gov. Rick Scott weighs investigation of Supreme Court justices for misdemeanors
The normally mundane issue of judicial retention may become part of a state police investigation. TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott is considering calling for an investigation into whether or not three Supreme Court justices are guilty of a misdemeanor in their scramble to get papers filed last week in their merit retention races. Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican, had sent a letter to Scott on Thursday asking for the probe. The governor is evaluating … Continue reading
Florida redistricting discussions shift from state Capitol to nearby courtrooms this week
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The state’s redistricting discussions shift this week from the Florida Capitol to a pair of courtrooms in Tallahassee. On Wednesday, Circuit Judge Terry Lewis will begin a hearing on challenges to the Republican-led Legislature’s redistricting map for Florida’s 27 congressional seats. Read more: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f12fc0f8b578452088a282b90a2f1990/FL–Florida-Redistricting/
Sides changing in court debate
If the underlying issue weren’t so serious it would be great fun watching the Republicans spin on a dime to become passionate defenders of an independent judiciary. Scorn for “activist judges” has been a staple of the party’s playbook ever since it was Earl Warren’s Supreme Court. Now that it’s John Roberts’s court — or should we say Antonin Scalia’s? — and a Democratic president is calling them out, the rhetorical roles have reversed. Wasn’t … Continue reading
Court clerks in Florida face cuts
Court cases in Lee and Collier counties could be delayed by budget cuts that target clerks’ offices across the state. The budget lawmakers presented to Gov. Rick Scott includes 7 percent cuts for clerks at a $31 million savings for the state. Scott has until April 21 to sign the budget. Over the past few years, clerks’ offices have had their funding slashed by 15 percent or more. As a result, there’s less staff to … Continue reading
The price of justice
OUR OPINION: Court Clerks need funding restored or Floridians will experience more delays in civil cases By The Miami Herald Editorial If you file a suit, say for divorce, in a Florida court, you pay a handsome fee of $401, one of the highest filing fees in the nation. You may be under the impression that this is paying, at least in part, for the courts and for the county court clerk’s office that must … Continue reading
In wake of ‘Taj Mahal’ scandal, Florida Supreme Court approves new lobbying rules for judges
TALLAHASSEE — Stung by public reaction to judges who lobbied state lawmakers into a $50 million courthouse many have dubbed a “Taj Mahal,” the Florida Supreme Court has established new rules that would muzzle individual judges who try to have their way with the Legislature. And some judges are not happy. The state’s circuit court judges have formally asked the state’s highest court to rescind the rules and at least engage in a public discussion … Continue reading
Legal filings pan Florida redistricting do-over
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Democrats and groups that backed the Florida Constitution’s new anti-gerrymandering standards took aim at lawmakers’ revised Senate redistricting map in filings Tuesday with the state Supreme Court. All say the Republican-controlled Legislature’s do-over still violates the Fair Districts standards that the justices cited in kicking back the original map. They differ, though, on some of details including how minority districts should be drawn. Preserving minority voting rights is one of the Fair … Continue reading
Florida High Court Hears Cases on Term Limits
TALLAHASSEE | Florida’s high court heard arguments Tuesday on whether county charters can trump the Florida Constitution when it comes to term limits for county commissioners. A ruling, which lawyers hope will come by the end of the month, could affect this year’s elections in Polk and other major Florida counties. Read more: http://www.theledger.com/article/20120411/NEWS/120419904/1410?Title=Florida-High-Court-Hears-Cases-on-Term-Limits-
Editorial: Justice under fire
The U.S. and Florida supreme courts’ critics try to undermine judicial authority and independence, and, in effect, weaken democracy. A strong, independent judicial system is a cornerstone of American democracy. Citizens depend on justices and judges who can make wise, sometimes unpopular, decisions without political meddling that might undermine their authority. The system works effectively, if not always to the liking of one group or another. There will always be winners and losers on any … Continue reading
Activist? Sometimes Fla. lawmakers trump courts
When a leaking underground drainage system pitted roads and driveways and created sinkholes in lawns at a Winter Garden subdivision, homeowners sued the developer to cover the damage and repair costs. After conflicting rulings in lower courts, the case reached the Florida Supreme Court, which heard arguments on it in December. But before the justices had issued a ruling, the Florida Legislature stepped in like Judge Judy and moved to decide the case — and … Continue reading
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Tagged courts under attack, florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott
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Ricky Polston Named Chief Justice-Elect of Florida
PRESS RELEASE 4/4/2012 – For Immediate Release Craig Waters PIO Florida Supreme Court (850) 414-7641 watersc@flcourts.org Ricky Polston Named Chief Justice-Elect of Florida TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Supreme Court today unanimously elected Ricky Polston – a man whose roots lie in the Panhandle town of Graceville – to become the state’s 55th Chief Justice starting July 1, 2012. Polston will become only the second Chief Justice from Jackson County and the first to come from … Continue reading
Florida Democrats question Bondi’s delay in sending Senate redistricting plan to justices
TALLAHASSEE — A week after the Florida House approved the Legislature’s second attempt to draw new Senate districts, the plan Tuesday still had not been forwarded by Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi to the state Supreme Court. Read more: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/florida-democrats-question-bondis-delay-in-sending-senate-2281365.html
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Tagged congressional map, Florida Supreme Court, Pam Bondi, redistricting map
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Super PACs, donors turn sights on judicial branch
ORLANDO — Just before sunset on a recent evening, scores of lawyers in dark suits and polished loafers streamed into the swanky 18th-floor ballroom of a downtown high-rise here. They sipped chardonnay and nursed Heinekens, munched on cheese cubes and made small talk. The invitation to the event had asked for a “suggested contribution” of $500 to each of three candidates, who were now mingling sheepishly among the crowd. They were no ordinary politicians. In … Continue reading
Appeals court validates legislators’ legal shield, throws out lower court ruling
In a precedent-setting legal opinion, First District Court of Appeals Judge Phil Padovano ruled today that legislators are entitled to the common law immunity from prosecution and cannot be compelled to testify about how they arrived at their decisions. Download 1st DCA ruling on legislative immunity. The ruling reversed a trial court decision that had forced Rep. Rick Kriseman, a Tampa Democrat, and his aide to testify about the source of legal documents they obtained during the … Continue reading
Supreme Court primed to take on 3-percent pension case, starting in September
The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case of state workers who sued the Legislature over its decision to require them to contribute 3 percent of their salaries to their requirement. Earlier this month, a circuit court judge ruled that the state’s 3-percent contribution plan was unconstitutional, potentially causing a $2 billion budget fiasco. Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2012/03/supreme-court-primed-to-take-on-3-percent-pension-case-starting-in-september.htm
Florida Supreme Court Justices R. Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince talked with Stetson Law students about the importance of the judicial system
Florida Supreme Court Justices Fred Lewis, Barbara J. Pariente and Peggy A. Quince spoke with students at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport on March 26 about the role of the judicial system and Florida’s merit retention system. All three justices formerly served as chief justices of Florida’s highest court. Stetson Law Professor Theresa Radwan moderated a noon-time panel discussion with the three justices. Read more: www.law.stetson.edu/news/index.php/2012/03/27/florida-supreme-court-justices-r-fred-lewis-barbara-pariente-and-peggy-quince-talked-with-stetson-law-students-about-the-importance-of-the-judicial-system
A disorderly court
OUR OPINION: Appointed judges bring more integrity to the bench By The Miami Herald Editorial The latest travails of Miami-Dade County Court Judge Ana Maria Pando should kick-start a statewide conversation about elected vs. appointed judges. That likely won’t happen. But it should. Studies have shown that appointed judges are far less likely to engage in or face allegations of corruption or ethical violations, boding well for judicial integrity. Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/26/2715536/a-disorderly-court.html
Florida Supremes under the microscope
Perhaps never in Florida’s history have so many laws been challenged in court. In just the past few months, judges have overturned laws privatizing prisons, requiring drug testing for welfare recipients, banning physicians from asking patients gun-related questions and requiring state workers to contribute 3% to their pension plans. Rulings are forthcoming on challenges to new laws the Legislature passed last year. Click here to read more: http://www.review.net/section/detail/capitol-chatter-march-23/
No Way to Choose a Judge
In a serious setback for justice in Alabama, primary voters chose Roy Moore to be their candidate for chief justice of the State Supreme Court in November. He is now the odds-on favorite to win. You may remember that Mr. Moore lost that job in 2003 when a special ethics court removed him from the bench after he defied a court order to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the lobby of the state judicial … Continue reading
Courtrooms are a place for justice — not street theater
A couple of attorneys I respect expressed concern last week about two words — “activist judge” — in the lead of my story about Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford’s ruling on the 3 percent Florida Retirement System contribution law. I’d put quotation marks around the term, and attributed it in a complete sentence to Senate President Mike Haridopolos lower in the story. But I realize those two words are a pejorative pairing, one we’ll be hearing a lot … Continue reading
Supreme Court vs. Legislators, again: Tuition case goes to highest court
Fresh from smacking down the state Senate redistricting maps as unconstitutional, the Florida Supreme Court has decided to take up another lawsuit targeting Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. This time, the court will rule over whether the state lawmakers—and not universities—have the power to set tuition rates. Currently, the Legislature sets tuition increases, with universities held to a 15-percent cap. Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2012/03/supreme-court-vs-legislators-again-tuition-case-goes-to-highest-court.htm
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Tagged florida courts, florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott, university tuition
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Florida Senate flubbed its top priority
The Legislature is back in session, at additional taxpayer expense, to try again at redistricting. The Senate’s plan failed to meet a state constitutional mandate voters issued last year to avoid gerrymandering to benefit incumbents, the Florida Supreme Court ruled. Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2012-03-16/story/florida-senate-flubbed-its-top-priority
Open-door redistricting
After the Florida Supreme Court cast a dark cloud over the state Senate’s redistricting map, it behooves the Legislature to let some sunshine in. The court last week ruled that eight of the 40 new districts the Senate drew violated the Florida Constitution’s Fair Districts amendments. Among the disqualified were the proposed Panhandle Districts 1 and 3, which are almost identical to the current districts currently represented by Sens. Don Gaetz and Greg Evers. Read … Continue reading
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Tagged congressional map, florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting map
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Florida Senate’s brazen redistricting trickery fails
Upon deeper review of the Florida Supreme Court decision on Friday invalidating the state Senate’s redistricting plan, a startling fact came to light: the Republican-dominated chamber’s brazen and arrogant attempt at protecting incumbents through the district numbering system. While justices cited constitutionally improper boundaries in eight of the 40 Senate districts, the court’s 234-page majority opinion also condemned trickery with numbers that improperly protects incumbents. Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/15/3938742/florida-senates-brazen-redistricting.html Read more here:
Florida Senate back at work, on court demand to redraw districts without political bias
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Legislature reconvened in a 15-day special session Wednesday to redraw Senate district boundaries rejected by the state Supreme Court, which ruled a first attempt was aimed chiefly at protecting ruling Republicans. Senate Reapportionment Chairman Don Gaetz sounded a conciliatory tone. Read more: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/florida-senate-back-at-work-on-court-demand-2238194.html
Senate doesn’t want new Cong. maps until after elections; wasn’t Don Gaetz calling this a “conspiracy theory” in Sept.?
Mary Ellen Klas reportstonight that the Florida Senate is asking the courts to wait until after the November elections to hear a challenge to the congressional redistricting maps that were built using the same principles the high court has already rejected. “…under a reasonable schedule, it is practically impossible to resolve this case in time for any remedy to be implemented for the impending elections,” wrote lawyers for the Florida Senate in a scheduling brief filed Monday … Continue reading
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Tagged congressional map, Don Gaetz, florida legislature, redistricting map
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Redistricting Retry May Bring Major Effects
Florida Senate leaders hope a few tweaks can fix their state Supreme Court-invalidated redistricting plan, but any changes could have a domino effect on local and statewide politics. Among the impacts as the Senate convenes Wednesday for a 15-day special legislative session on redistricting: Whether Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, will be eligible for another six years in office rather than the typical four-year term and the shape of the two main Senate districts that cover … Continue reading
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Tagged congressional map, florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott, redistricting map
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Local legislators reflect on session’s successes, heartbreaks
The saber rattling on one end of Northwest Florida as the legislative session drew to a close contrasted mightily with a barely remarked upon act of chivalry playing out on the other. Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/legislature-48141–.html
Florida Supreme Court upholds will of the people
Good for the Florida Supreme Court for disregarding demands that it take a timid approach to interpreting the state constitution, and to respecting the will of the voters. Read more: http://www.news-press.com/article/20120313/OPINION/303130013/1075/Florida-Supreme-Court-upholds-will-people
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Tagged congressional map, florida courts, florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting map
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Schultz: Conservatives in Tallahassee aren’t true conservatives
A truly conservative Florida Legislature would not have done what the 2012 Legislature tried to do to the state court system. A truly conservative Florida Legislature would not even have considered giving the governor complete power to pick judges. But despite its claims to the contrary, this is not a conservative Florida Legislature. It is an ideological Florida Legislature that doesn’t believe in separation of powers. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/columnists/schultz-conservatives-in-tallahassee-arent-true-conservatives-2228428.html
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Tagged balance of power, courts under attack, fair courts, florida courts, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott, merit selection, Pending Judicial Nominations, seperation of powers
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Highlights of the Supreme Court ruling on redistricting
Highlights from the redistricting opinion summarized by the Miami Herald: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2012/03/highlights-of-the-supreme-court-ruling-on-redistricting.html
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Tagged fair courts, florida courts, Florida Supreme Court, judicial power, redistricting map
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A victory to preserve voters’ will
The Florida Supreme Court on Friday followed the will of the voters who demanded more reasonably drawn legislative districts. The court’s landmark redistricting opinion thoughtfully defined the constitutional amendment approved in 2010 and invalidated new state Senate districts for clearly failing to meet those requirements. This is a victory for Floridians who want fair elections and a sound defeat for drawing maps that rig the outcomes and protect incumbents. http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1219285.ece
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Tagged balance of power, fair courts, florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting map, seperation of powers
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Alex Villalobos: Florida served well by ruling on districts
By Alex VillalobosMarch 10, 2012 Fair and impartial administration of justice is a difficult and delicate balancing act — and it is one that I believe all seven members of the Florida Supreme Court perform admirably day in and day out. Floridians are well served when tough questions are met with thorough debate and analysis and decided based on each individual Justices careful consideration of what they believe to be mandated by our state … Continue reading
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Tagged Courts, courts under attack, fair courts, Florida Supreme Court, merit selection, redistricting map
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Editorial: The new rules
The Florida Legislature has pretty much always undertaken its once-every-decade redistricting chore with two paramount objectives: To protect incumbents and to keep the ruling party in power. That was true when the Democrats ran the Legislature, and it is true now that the Republicans are in charge. But now there are a whole new set of rules in place, complements of Florida voters who approved two “Fair Districts” amendments to the state Constitution. http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120310/OPINION01/120309596/1109/sports?Title=Editorial-The-new-rules&tc=ar
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Tagged balance of power, Courts, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting map
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Statement on redistricting ruling from Democracy at Stake
Following is a statement issued by former Senator Alex Villalobos on behalf of Democracy at Stake: “Fair and impartial administration of justice is a difficult and delicate balancing act. And it is one that the seven members of the Florida Supreme Court perform admirably day in and day out. “The politically charged debate over redistricting has focused public attention on a deliberative process that is business as usual for our state’s high court. The … Continue reading
Posted in Statements, Supporters
Tagged balance of power, fair courts, florida courts, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting map
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What they’re saying about Florida Supreme Court’s redistricting rulings
House Speaker Dean Cannon: “We appreciate the preparation, thorough review and thoughtfulness of the court’s response. Throughout the redistricting process, the House demonstrated a commitment to following the letter of the law, and I am proud of Speaker-Designate Weatherford and all of our Members who worked so hard to craft this new map. We understand the difficulty of the court’s duty to review the application of new constitutional language. We appreciate the court providing input as … Continue reading
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Tagged balance of power, fair courts, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting
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Supreme Court tosses proposed Senate maps
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court on Friday tossed out the proposed state Senate legislative maps, forcing lawmakers to start over in a special session later this month. http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/workinglife/supreme-court-tosses-proposed-senate-maps/1219161
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Tagged Courts, fair courts, florida legislature, Florida Supreme Court
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Bill to give Fla. Gov. Rick Scott more power to pick judges stalls
TALLAHASSEE — A proposal to give Gov. Rick Scott more power over the courts appeared dead Wednesday amid a disagreement on whether Scott should be able to fire people appointed by former Gov. Charlie Crist to a panel that helps select judges. http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/08/3925629/bill-to-give-fla-gov-rick-scott.html#storylink=cpy
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Editorial: Going backward on judicial selection
Back in 1939, a member of the judiciary, identified in a legal critique only as “unusually candid,” sought to deflate judicial pomposity by defining a judge as “a lawyer who knew a governor.” Read more: http://www.ocala.com/article/20120305/OPINION01/120309850
Inside Merit Selection: The Results of a National Survey of Nominating Commissioners
News Release AJS Releases Results of Largest-Ever Survey of Judicial Nominating Commissioners Des Moines, IA, — March 6, 2012 —As states work to ensure highly qualified, knowledgeable, accessible, adaptable, and accountable judiciaries, the methods used to select judges frequently engender fervent debate, especially during election cycles. In recent years, many states that elect judges have witnessed increasing campaign spending and bitter rhetoric, leading some to consider the adoption of merit selection, a … Continue reading
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Tagged fair courts, judicial appointments, merit selection
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Sen. Pres. Mike Haridopolos Blasts Judge, Talks Redistricting (VIDEO)
[Tallahassee, FL] As the 2012 Legislative Session winds down and a few court battles are heating up. Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-26/Merritt Island) weighs in on both, letting the judge have it, in one, and predicting the Florida Supreme Court‘s decision, in another. Read m0re: http://www.sunshineslate.com/2012/03/06/mike-haridopolos-blasts-judge-redistricting-video/
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Tagged congressional map, courts under attack, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott, redistricting map
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Court ruling will affect maps, future redistricting
In the next few days, the Florida Supreme Court may be making one of its most important decisions in recent history when it rules on the constitutionality of redistricting maps recently approved by the Legislature. Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/court-ruling-will-affect-maps-future-redistricting/1218480
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Tagged congressional map, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott, redistricting map
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Florida Senate president predicts special session on redistricting
Senate President Mike Haridopolos all but admitted defeat Monday in the first round of court reviews over the legislature’s redistricting map and predicted lawmakers would be back in a special session to revamp their maps. “We’re going to be here for extraordinary session, my guess, I think, given the give and take last week in the Supreme Court,” Haridopolos told reporters Monday. Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/05/3919131/florida-senate-president-predicts.html
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Tagged congressional map, Florida Supreme Court, Governor Rick Scott, redistricting map
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Justices’ decision should ease fears
Nothing is more fundamental to our society than faith in the honesty of the political system. Without that trust — the belief that elections are run honestly — our whole society is shaken because the exercise of political power determines how we, as a society, operate: How much taxes each of us pays and how many services the government provides, and who has access to those services. Read more: http://www.newschief.com/article/20120303/NEWS/203035004
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Tagged congressional map, fair courts, florida courts, Florida Supreme Court, redistricting map
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Florida House ties women/minority law student scholarships to changes to state merit selection system
I mentioned back in January the effort in Florida to allow governors to replace a majority of the members of the state’s judicial nominating commissions. What made the provisions of HB 971 and the similar SB 1570 even more notable than the change to merit selection was their tying of the changes to changes in the state’s judicial retirement system, arguably to the advantage of judges recalled back into temporary service by the state’s chief … Continue reading
Supreme Court hears redistricting arguments
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a landmark redistricting case that could shape the political future of Florida for at least a decade. At issue: How far justices could go in enforcing the anti-gerrymandering Fair Districts amendments approved by the voters in a November 2010 referendum. Read more: http://www.flcourier.com/flflorida/7744-supreme-court-hears-redistricting-arguments-
Justices hear Florida redistricting arguments
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Republican-controlled Legislature drew its redistricting plan “in the dark” and the House and Senate maps should be sent back so lawmakers can try again after receiving some guidance from the Florida Supreme Court, a Democratic lawyer told the justices Wednesday. Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/29/2666870/justices-hearing-florida-redistricting.html
Justices seek input on how to handle new redistricting rules
TALLAHASSEE — Faced with writing a precedent-setting ruling that could shape the state’s political lines for decades, the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday aggressively grilled lawyers representing Democrats and Republicans, asking them how to interpret the state’s new redistricting rules. Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/florida-supreme-court-hears-arguments-on-redistricting-ask-how-far-they/1217663
Redistricting maps divide Florida Supreme Court
TALLAHASSEE — In a legal showdown that could reverberate for decades, a conflicted Florida Supreme Court grilled the authors and critics of new legislative-district maps Wednesday over whether lawmakers have followed new voter-adopted anti-gerrymandering reforms. Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-supreme-court-redistricting-20120229,0,7089603.story
Florida High Court Hears Redistricting Case; Lakeland Greatly Impacted
TALLAHASSEE | Lakeland played a key role Wednesday as a divided Florida Supreme Court heard arguments in the challenges to the results of the Florida Legislature’s once-a-decade redistricting process — the first under voter-imposed anti-gerrymandering rules. Read more: http://www.theledger.com/article/20120229/NEWS/120229171?Title=Florida-High-Court-Hears-Redistricting-Case-Lakeland-Greatly-Impacted-
State Supreme Court justices hearing oral arguments on Florida legislative redistricting maps
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The state Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments over redistricting maps the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature has drawn for itself. Read more here: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/fa0a5036ae0c48c79ce9134fa5c534e2/FL–Florida-Redistricting/
Redistricting is creating rifts in the state’s non-partisan high court
Several normally tepid procedural rulings have sparked a flurry of divided opinions as the Florida Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments over redistricting maps. By Mary Ellen Klas Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau TALLAHASSEE — As the Florida Supreme Court opens redistricting arguments Wednesday over the Legislature’s proposed redistricting maps, recent deliberations of the normally subdued court have signaled an internal feud over how to handle the issue. Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/28/2666325/redistricting-is-creating-rifts.html
Florida High Court to Hear Redistricting Case Wednesday
The Florida Supreme Court hears oral arguments Wednesday morning in what could be a landmark redistricting case, after a series of shifting coalitions triggered a week and half of topsy-turvy decisions. Justices are preparing to hear a redistricting case for the first time since voters adopted the anti-gerrymandering Fair Districts amendments in November 2010. So far, the court has seemed divided on when and whether to accept motions beyond an initial filing deadline — and … Continue reading
MILLER: Rick Scott’s zero-percent tax
Florida governor’s pro-growth plan eliminates business levy Florida Gov. Rick Scott joined fellow state executives for dinner at the White House Sunday night. Before the rib-eye steak or Maryland crab mac & cheese hit the plates, the first-term Republican served President Obama with a letter about corporate taxes. Read more here: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/feb/27/rick-scotts-zero-percent-tax/
Drug Testing Bill Targets Florida State Workers, Excludes Lawmakers
A Florida state lawmaker is pushing a bill requiring state agencies to test their workers for drugs. But the bill wouldn’t mandate testing for all public sector employees; members of the Florida legislature would get a pass. Rep. Jimmie Smith (R-Lecanto), the bill’s sponsor, said he supports drug testing for lawmakers, but requiring them to pee in cups like everyone else would violate their constitutional rights. In an email to The Huffington Post, Smith cited … Continue reading
Silencing Maneuvers: When the Florida Legislature Resembles the Politbureau
Republicans on the House Education Committee voted out a pair of education bills as Democrats bristled at a process that one compared to the Politburo. The votes on the two measures — one overhauling standards and finances for charter schools (HB 903) and another limiting the power of the Florida High School Athletics Association (HB 1403) in some transfer cases — came as the committee neared the end of its meeting time. Read more here: … Continue reading
Chief justice: Iowa Supreme Court stronger after 2010 ousters
Court has had to rehear cases in which arguments were made before the ousted judges but no decision had been made. JOHNSTON, Iowa — The Iowa Supreme Court had to rehear many cases after voters ousted three justices over a decision legalizing same-sex marriage, but it weathered the storm and emerged a stronger institution, Chief Justice Mark Cady said Friday. Read more here: http://www.thonline.com/news/iowa-illinois-wisconsin/article_388029c7-80d9-5fdd-921a-7af8e02a2a93.html
