Fair and Impartial

Florida Supreme Court merit retention election: Push to change Florida’s future is flying under the radar

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:29:15 +0000

Tampa, Florida — There’s a push going on to change Florida’s future, and it’s in a way that some say is sneaky, dishonest, and just plain wrong.

This impacts a whole range of what you care about: education, transportation, your freedoms, and your privacy.

Charlie Crist: Vote ‘Yes’ for merit retention

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:57:35 +0000

I voted early and chose, “Yes” to retain the three Florida Supreme Court Justices up for merit retention. Here is why.

“Merit retention,” was wisely put into place so that voters could get rid of justices who dishonor their office, not to mock our system of checks and balances.

Guest commentary: Basil L. Bain, Esq. … Please be informed

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:54:12 +0000

In an election year with a momentous presidential race, it may surprise voters to learn that one of the most important and historic decisions for Floridians is actually toward the very end of their ballot. Three of Florida’s Supreme Court Justices and a number of appellate judges are on the ballot for a regularly slated merit retention vote.

A threat to our courts

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:52:33 +0000

Amendment 5 is one of the 11 legislatively proposed amendments to Florida’s constitution on the November ballot. It presents three different and distinct proposed changes to how Florida’s court system is constitutionally structured.

Conservatives taking aim at three Supreme Court justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:51:16 +0000

As the election nears, voters are taking a look at this year’s lengthy ballot.

Amid the clutter is a terribly troubling power play by elements of the Florida Republican Party. Some conservatives are urging voters to vote against the retention of three Florida Supreme Court justices.

Fight effort to destroy independent judiciary

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:44:28 +0000

We Floridians are in danger of losing the last and most important safeguard the individual citizen has against the overwhelming power of government, special interest money and political machinery: our independent and nonpartisan state Supreme Court.

Former prosecutor ‘resents’ GOP tactics used against Supreme Court justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:43:14 +0000

The appellate prosecutor in the murder case cited by the Republican Party of Florida to depict three state Supreme Court justices as “judicial activists” said Friday all three are “outstanding justices who are being unfairly attacked for overtly political reasons.”

Tallahassee lawyer Curtis M. French said he resents his successful appeal to Washington being used as “Exhibit A” in the political case against Florida Justices Peggy Quince, Barbara Pariente and R. Fred Lewis. He said they will have his vote Nov. 6.

Keep justices on the job

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:40:40 +0000

Should they stay or should they go? Since Florida began holding merit retention elections for its Supreme Court justices and appeals judges in 1978, state voters have always voted to keep them on the bench.

Change the rules and change the refs

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:31:37 +0000

We’ve often said about the Republican Party that “99 and a half won’t do” for them. They’ve got to have it all.

The latest example? The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) wants to take over the top level of Florida’s judicial branch: the Florida Supreme Court.

VIDEO: Amendment 5 seeks to remove 3 Fla. supreme court justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:14:13 +0000

WINTER PARK, Fla. — A measure is on the ballot and an effort is underway to remove and replace three Florida Supreme Court justices.

The justices, Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince and R. Fred Lewis, are on the ballot for merit retention.

Florida ballot questions on courts, student representation

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:01:37 +0000

A proposed constitutional amendment that would change the way Florida Supreme Court justices are appointed and give the legislature more control over court rules isn’t a power grab, said a House Speaker who pushed the proposal.

In background of justices’ fight, another court battle

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:00:54 +0000

Even as three Florida Supreme Court justices fight to hold onto their seats in merit elections scheduled for November, a ballot proposal that would change how future appointees are named to the court is also headed to voters.

Amendment 5 gives state Senate more control over Court

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:00:09 +0000

Title on ballot: State Courts

What it would do:

This measure would provide for Senate confirmation of Supreme Court justices; give lawmakers control over changes to the rules governing the court system; and direct the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates judicial misconduct complaints, to make its files available to the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

Florida Among Three States Weighing Ballot Measures That Would Politicize High Courts

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:58:50 +0000

Florida is one of three states this year that will vote on a ballot measure in November that, if passed, will politicize state courts.

According to a report from the Center for American Progress, from 2011 to 2012, legislators in 24 states introduced laws or resolutions that would “enable governors to replace competent state judges, a power that would, in practice, result in more conservative replacements in states across the country.” Of those 24 states where such laws were introduced, Florida, Missouri and Arizona passed their respective versions of this legislation.

Here’s why we say ‘NO’ to all amendments

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:50:51 +0000

The amendments that you will see on this year’s ballot are proposed changes to the Florida Constitution.

Our state constitution – similar to the U.S Constitution – establishes rules and basic rights. It covers freedoms such as religion, speech, press, assemblage, work and bearing of arms.

Editorial: Judicial elections threaten justice

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:52:43 +0000

Judicial elections used to be so quaint. Candidates didn’t campaign, lest politics taint their independence. They just ran on their résumés.

Not so any more. In today’s hyperpoliticized environment, judicial candidates routinely drum up money from campaign contributors who want to buy influence.

Letter: Historical Fight for Fair and Impartial Courts Rages On

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:41:02 +0000

The issue concerning fair and impartial judges is not a new issue for this state or the United States as a whole. This issue was fought over during the formation of this great nation and the U.S. Constitution. In 1788, Alexander Hamilton wrote The Federalist #78, which eloquently details the need for our judges, especially our appeals court and Supreme Court judges, to be free to make decisions based on their impartial interpretations of the Constitution and the laws. I would like to quote a few important phrases from this document (however, I encourage you to read it in full):

“That inflexible and uniform adherence to the rights of the Constitution, and of individuals, which we perceive to be indispensable in the courts of justice, can certainly not be expected from judges who hold their offices by a temporary commission. Periodical appointments, however regulated, or by whomsoever made, would, in some way or other, be fatal to their necessary independence. If the power of making them was committed either to the Executive or legislature, there would be danger of an improper complaisance to the branch which possessed it; if to both, there would be an unwillingness to hazard the displeasure of either; if to the people, or to persons chosen by them for the special purpose, there would be too great a disposition to consult popularity, to justify a reliance that nothing would be consulted but the Constitution and the laws.”

The current state of affairs, in the way we vote to retain appeals court and Supreme Court judges, scares me as a citizen of this state. I was a police officer in the State of Florida for 25 years and on many occasions disagreed with, and at times was infuriated by, the decisions of various appeals and Supreme Court judges. However, I will personally NEVER vote to remove one of these judges. This is because there is a fundamental need for their decisions to be based not on the opinions of legislators, the governor, myself, victims or defendants. Their decisions are supposed to be made based on the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution for the State of Florida and the laws of Florida WITHOUT WORRY OF THE POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR DECISIONS.

“It is not otherwise to be supposed, that the Constitution could intend to enable the representatives of the people to substitute their will to that of their constituents. It is far more rational to suppose, that the courts were designed to be an intermediate body between the people and the legislature, in order, among other things, to keep the latter within the limits assigned to their authority.

“This independence of the judges is equally requisite to guard the Constitution and the rights of individuals from the effects of those ill humors, which the arts of designing men, or the influence of particular conjunctures, sometimes disseminate among the people themselves, and which, though they speedily give place to better information, and more deliberate reflection, have a tendency, in the meantime, to occasion dangerous innovations in the government, and serious oppressions of the minor party in the community.”

For all of the reasons outlined above, I would propose a constitutional amendment to provide lifetime appointments to positions to the Florida Supreme Court and all District Courts of Appeal while in good standing. Judges can be removed for criminal and unethical actions which should be the only valid reason to remove appellant or Supreme Court judges. Otherwise, always stand the chance of judges making decisions in order to satisfy the Legislature, the governor and the masses, not the laws of the land.

Do not listen to me. Listen to the great founders of this nation. The independence of our judges is a fundamental need if we are to ensure government checks and balances in this state, as well as ensure the rights of all persons, and at times the government, are upheld even if the decision is unpopular.

Gordon “Scott” Pleasants
Retired Police Lieutenant and Current Professor of Criminal Justice

GOP should butt out of high-court decision

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:28:08 +0000

Florida’s highest court is under political attack.

The state Republican Party launched the unprecedented assault last week when its leaders went on the record in favor of ousting the Supreme Court justices who face judgment from voters on the November ballot: Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince.

Endorsement editorial: Supreme Court justices, Appeal Court judges

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:26:29 +0000

Merit retention has been part of the Florida judicial system since 1976.

It calls for voters to render simple “yes” or “no” decisions on whether judges at the appellate level. including the Florida Supreme Court, should be retained for further service.

An independent court is at stake in Florida

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:25:17 +0000

On the day he was assassinated, Huey Long was manipulating the Louisiana Legislature to be rid of a judge who had blocked some of his schemes. The judge’s son-in-law got him first.

An independent judiciary is to tyrants as sunlight to vampires. Unlike vampires, however, demagogues and dictators like Huey Long are a real — and constant — danger.

A blatant bid to politicize the courts

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:23:57 +0000

It’s understandable why Gov. Rick Scott and his Republican allies have no love for the courts. After all, their batting average is pretty low in trying to overturn laws they don’t like and defending their own extreme lawmaking. But the state Republican Party’s unprecedented call for voters to remove three Florida Supreme Court justices is a frontal assault on the judicial branch for no reason other than political intimidation. Reasonable Republicans ought to speak out against this attack on the courts and support the nonpartisan merit retention process, and all Florida voters should stand up for an independent judiciary.

Our Opinion: Vote to retain three Supreme Court justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:22:26 +0000

Before we step into the voting booth and decide whether three Supreme Court justices should be retained in office, let’s look at a little history.

On ballot, a supreme attempt to intimidate

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:05:03 +0000

The least understood portion of the November ballot may be the section asking voters whether three Florida Supreme Court justices and other appellate judges should keep their jobs. The justices, the Florida Bar and other groups are embarking on public education campaigns, and with good reason. The merit retention system is designed to preserve the judiciary branch’s independence and protect it from corruption and political influence, and the Republican Party of Florida and a conservative interest group unhappy with the Supreme Court’s opinions are trying to pierce those protections.

Republicans Seek Fla. Court Power

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:03:35 +0000

Friday, the Florida Republican Party made official and expanded a power grab to wrest as much control from the Florida Supreme Court as it can.

Independent high court protects people’s rights

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:52:07 +0000

The saying “you can’t fight city hall” was borne out of a common frustration with government being viewed as too powerful to beat. It’s a cynical view of Big Government, to be sure, and it would be a lot closer to the truth if we didn’t have an equally powerful force to turn to when our “inalienable rights” are under siege, as they have been since Rick Scott becameFlorida’s governor.

Targeted by activist groups, justices must campaign

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:50:53 +0000

State Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince isn’t used to asking people for their votes.

When she spoke Wednesday to the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, Quince talked about the history of the state’s merit retention system for appellate judges, the importance of an impartial judiciary and the need for people to vote in every election on the ballot, including questions — such as her own — at the bottom.

Group defending Florida Supreme Court justices fights back

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:49:36 +0000

Three Florida Supreme Court justices and 15 appellate judges are up for merit retention in the Nov. 6 general election. But as CL’s Scott Farrell reported earlier this summer, conservative forces hope to remove the three high court state justices, two of them — Barbara Pariente and Fred Lewis — nominated to the bench by Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles, and the other — Peggy Quince — a joint nomination between Chiles and Republican Gov. Jeb Bush.

Supporters of embattled justices offer civics lesson in their defense

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Supporters of three Florida Supreme Court justices under fire from conservative activists offered a civics lesson Tuesday in urging voters to reject the drive.

Former justice joins pushback in merit retention debate over FSC justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:46:19 +0000

Former Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero joined in the defense ofFlorida’s three justices up for merit retention in the face of a recent “report card” by a conservative group aimed at ousting the judges.

Florida Bar Poll: Strong Support For Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Judges

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:40:25 +0000

A poll of Florida Bar members regarding the retention of three justices and 15 appellate court judges indicates very strong support for all to be retained. The poll seeks to find whether attorneys who know the most about these jurists believe they should continue in their jobs. The retention election is Nov. 6.

Ernest Hooper: It’s downright un-American not to vote

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:45:45 +0000

RIVERVIEW — State Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince came before the Riverview Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday with a fundamental request of the audience.

Vote.

Justice Pariente challenges lawyers to educate public

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:53:07 +0000

Three Florida Supreme Court justices and 15 appellate judges are up for merit retention in the Nov. 6 general election, but what the system is — and what it isn’t — has been the focus of an educational push by members of the legal community.

Jeff Lytle: It was an omen

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:10:25 +0000

It was an omen.

Our Monday front page had stories about two issues sure to make your head hurt.

One was about immigration and new rules affecting young people. Instead of helping, those rules make matters more tangled and confusing and only deepen the national divide. They are yet another sign we really aren’t serious about defining who is welcome and who is not.

Editorial: Voters should study Florida Supreme Court justices’ records, make an educated decision on whether to retain them

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:55:59 +0000

It’s for a reason the judiciary is equal to and independent of the executive and legislative branches of government.

It’s to minimize — and hopefully, eliminate — political pressure on how judges might rule on cases.

We need our judges to make tough decisions that aren’t always popular in order to uphold the law and protect citizens’ rights.

Florida justices hit the road to make case for retention on bench

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:21:18 +0000

With politics seeping into nonpartisan judge retention votes nationwide, three Florida Supreme Court justices are taking an unusual step this week — hitting the road to inform voters about how appellate judges are kept on the bench.

Judicial Elections and the Bottom Line

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:07:09 +0000

This year, 32 states will be holding contested elections or retention votes for judges on their highest courts. An ideological battle inFlorida, an expensive and partisan one in North Carolina and others are providing uncomfortable lessons about why judges on the highest courts should be appointed rather than elected. Elections turn judges into politicians, and the need to raise money to finance ever more expensive campaigns makes the judiciary more vulnerable to improper influence by donors.

Florida Among Three States Weighing Ballot Measures That Would Politicize High Courts

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:05:05 +0000

Florida is one of three states this year that will vote on a ballot measure in November that, if passed, will politicize state courts.

Editorial: Reject smear campaign against Florida Supreme Court justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:03:30 +0000

Even in a presidential election year, the state’s most dishonest campaign is the attempt to kick three justices off the Florida Supreme Court.

The new tactic is a lawsuit alleging that justices R. Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince are not qualified to be on the November ballot because they supposedly had court staff illegally assist them in completing election paperwork. Last week, Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis threw out the lawsuit, ruling correctly that only election officials or prosecutors can remove candidates from the ballot. The “plaintiffs” are two voters.

Supreme Court Shake-Up?

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:06:34 +0000

It was a highly unusual move in the middle of a high profile hearing beforeFlorida’s highest court.

The court will now take a ten-minute recess.

Judge dismisses lawsuit trying to throw 3 Florida Supreme Court justices off ballot

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:02:20 +0000

TALLAHASSEE — A lawsuit by a conservative legal organization looking to remove from the ballot the last three Florida Supreme Court justices named by a Democratic governor was dismissed Wednesday by a Leon County circuit judge.

Judge rejects lawsuit attempting to remove justices from ballot

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:01:03 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – A Leon County Circuit Court judge dismissed a lawsuit Wednesday by a conservative legal group attempting to remove three Florida Supreme Court justices from the November ballot.

JUDGE TOSSES CHALLENGE TO JUSTICES’ PLACE ON BALLOT

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:59:30 +0000

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, August 8, 2012……….A Leon County judge Wednesday tossed out a suit seeking to block three sitting Supreme Court justices from the November election ballot, the latest chapter in an ongoing saga about how the trio filed their qualifying papers.

Florida judge dismisses lawsuit aimed at candidates for justice

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:58:15 +0000

TALLAHASSEE— A trial judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit aimed at throwing three of his seven bosses — Florida Supreme Court justices — off the Nov. 6 ballot, where they are seeking retention in an up or down vote.

Commentary: Florida in danger of purging democracy

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:45:31 +0000

For better or worse, the central principle behind the unlimited contributions to super PACs that will dominate this election cycle is simple: Money is speech, and we cannot limit speech. Yet many who hold this freedom as an article of faith are all too willing to limit an equally precious form of speech: voting.

Rick Scott’s Florida Purge Effort Cost Localities Thousands

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:41:07 +0000

Now that Gov. Rick Scott’s (R-FL) administration has obtained access to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database — records that Florida could have received months ago had it provided the necessary information to DHS — it has officially abandoned the error-riddled original purge list. But this move comes only after local governments were forced to spend thousands purging voters from the rolls.

Court rejects Florida prison privatization appeal

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:35:44 +0000

An appellate court on Tuesday tossed out Attorney General Pam Bondi’s request for a decision to uphold the proposed privatization of 29 South Florida prison facilities.

Voters must decide on justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 19:03:38 +0000

Law enforcement officials investigated the complaint, found no wrongdoing and dropped it. A veteran prosecutor even dismissed the allegations as “trifle.” Yet, Gov. Rick Scott still wants to use the legal system to disqualify three Florida Supreme Court justices who are up for retention in the fall. Three words, Governor: Let it go!

Clobbering the Court

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:48:26 +0000

Any doubts about Florida Governor Rick Scott’s disdain for the judiciary were cleared up late last month when Scott took to national cable television airwaves to announce in a very public way that he had decided not to follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s healthcare ruling.

Poll shows that for Floridians, facts get in the way

Friends of Florida Courts — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:40:01 +0000

Who can understand Floridians? They don’t like the governor they elected, but they like his policies — even those found to be constitutionally questionable by the courts.

Off-target Legislature, governor keep costing Florida bundles

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:50:21 +0000

When my daughter was a toddler, her pediatrician asked if our home has a pool. It does. I didn’t take offense.

The doctor asked if we had gates and alarms, and she stressed the importance of swim lessons for kids. It seemed perfectly reasonable, if the goal was my girl’s health and well-being.

Battle Looms Over State Pensions

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:48:43 +0000

Florida’s pension plan for public workers faces a legal showdown in early September before the state’s highest court.

On the morning of Sept. 7, the Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case in which the justices will decide the fate of a 2011 legislative decision that required state workers, school employees, county workers and other public employees who participate in the pension fund of more than $120 billion to pay 3 percent of their salaries toward their retirement costs.

Florida Supremes face political battle to keep jobs

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:47:26 +0000

TALLAHASSEE — A high-stakes battle in Florida is brewing over the retention of three Florida Supreme Court justices, pitting Gov. Rick Scott and tea party activists against a bipartisan coalition of lawyers.

Scott voices displeasure after FDLE clears three justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:34:38 +0000

TALLAHASSEE — Florida investigators have cleared three state Supreme Court judges of violating any state law when they used court employees to help prepare election documents needed to qualify for their merit retention votes this fall.

And that result apparently doesn’t sit well with Gov. Rick Scott, who sought the Florida Department of Law Enforcement inquiry, and on Thursday released a sardonic response to its findings.

Prosecutor: No charges against 3 Fla. justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:33:16 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott may not get a chance to replace three Florida Supreme Court justices after a prosecutor said Thursday that no charges would be brought against them for having state-paid employees notarize their campaign forms.

State Attorney Willie Meggs said that an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows the justices had campaign forms notarized by state employees during working hours to meet an April filing deadline. But the prosecutor said common sense says notarizing a signature would not constitute furthering one’s campaign.

FDLE investigation into Florida Supreme Court justices over, fight not

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:31:19 +0000

An investigation into the filing of qualifying papers for three Supreme Court justices has been closed, but the controversy about the trio’s place on this fall’s ballot is likely to continue.

A law firm issued a statement on behalf of the three Supreme Court justices, who all face retention elections this year, saying that prosecutors and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement had ended their probe and found no wrongdoing on the part of Justices Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince.

State investigators clear justices of wrongdoing, Scott not pleased

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:29:54 +0000

Three Florida Supreme Court justices did not break the law when they used court staff to notarize campaign documents, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement decided.

But the matter is not settled. Justices Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince and Fred Lewis, up for merit retention, now have to fend off a lawsuit seeking to strip them off the November ballot.

Florida Supreme Court overturns Insurance rule

Friends of Florida Courts — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:28:07 +0000

TALLAHASSEE — A 2008 Florida law establishing a 48-hour moratorium on public adjusters was ruled unconstitutional Thursday by the Florida Supreme Court on grounds that it restricted commercial speech.

The decision was a blow to the insurance industry and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, who appealed a lower court ruling that was unanimously upheld by the state’s highest court. Public adjusters serve as advocates for policyholders while negotiating insurance claims. The overturned law had prevented them from getting involved in insurance cases for at least 48 hours after the occurrence of an event.

Federal judge blocks Florida law preventing doctors from discussing gun ownership

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:29:05 +0000

MIAMI — A federal judge has blocked the state of Florida from enforcing a law pushed by firearms advocates that banned thousands of doctors from discussing gun ownership with their patients.

U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke, who had already issued a preliminary injunction last September, made her decision permanent late Friday when she ruled in favor of groups of physicians who asserted that the law violated their free speech rights. She said the law was so “vague” that it violated the First Amendment rights of doctors, noting that the legislation’s privacy provisions “fail to provide any standards for practitioners to follow.”

Matt Reed: The court’s real lessons for Florida

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:56:54 +0000

The Supreme Court delivered powerful lessons for Florida last week, some more important than rulings on the individual insurance mandate or local cops’ powers to check immigrants’ status.

You’ll find the lessons in the deliberative sections and footnotes of Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion on Obamacare (and in the news media’s initial failure to spot them). And in Justice Anthony Kennedy’s choice of sources and quotes for his order on immigration enforcement. Or in themes common to both.

Chuck Hobbs: Court still leaves many questions

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:55:21 +0000

In the history of the U.S. Supreme Court and the myriad cases and controversies that it has considered for more than two centuries, the most vexing cases often serve to define the legacy of the chief justice who presided when the matters were considered.

Paperless court records; effortless transition

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:09:25 +0000

Rule changes approved by Florida Supreme Court Justices last week requiring almost all court documents to be filed electronically won’t be much of a challenge for the court system in Lee or Colier counties.

The changes, which were extensively studied by Florida Bar rules committees and other groups, will gradually take effect by the end of 2013.

Conservative activists take aim at Florida justices

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:07:22 +0000

WASHINGTON – Robin Rorapaugh has managed two gubernatorial campaigns and two U.S. Senate races, and she was a senior adviser to Barack Obama in 2008. But she has never been in a campaign quite like the one she’s involved in now.

Editorial: Political witch hunt threatens Florida Supreme Court

Friends of Florida Courts — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:14:47 +0000

The most important election in Florida may take place far down the ballot and involve people unfamiliar to most voters. But a vital principle will be at stake.

Too many legislative seats picked without a contest

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:10:08 +0000

You may have missed it, but last week Dwayne Taylor, D-Daytona Beach, was again returned to the Florida Legislature without the fuss and bother of anyone having to vote for him.

When the qualifying deadline passed Friday, he was one of 30 candidates for the Florida House of Representatives who had no opposition.

Florida Pension Fight Heats Up in Supreme Court

Friends of Florida Courts — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:08:29 +0000

With Republican legislative leaders and the Florida League of Cities already weighing in, Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet officers have asked the state Supreme Court to approve a plan requiring public workers to chip in money to the state pension system.

Gov. Rick Scott slaps down DOJ threat

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:11:28 +0000

Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday defended his controversial effort to purge the state’s voter rolls of non-citizens, saying the Justice Department’s threat seek an injunction in federal court “doesn’t make any sense.”

Florida argues it had right to take pension contribution from state worker pay

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:09:43 +0000

TALLAHASSEE — A Leon County judge was wrong in ruling that Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican-ruled Legislature violated the state constitution last year by ordering 3 percent payroll contributions from public employees in the Florida Retirement System, state lawyers said in a new filing with the Florida Supreme Court.

Florida, DOJ in dueling lawsuits over voter purge

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:07:11 +0000

TALLAHASSE, Fla. - The U.S. Department of Justice said Monday it will go to federal court to block Florida’s controversial effort to purge ineligible voters, ratcheting up a feud between the Obama administration and Gov. Rick Scott.

Florida Sues U.S. Over Database To Verify Citizenship

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:04:54 +0000

Florida sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over access to a database to verify the citizenship of residents as the state seeks to purge non- citizens from its voter rolls.

California, Florida Consider Law Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

Friends of Florida Courts — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:03:04 +0000

If you’re not in the U.S. legally, can you practice law here?

The highest state courts in California and Florida are considering the question in the cases of two law school graduates who were brought to the U.S. as children.