Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 10, 2017

A bill requiring the state Supreme Court to produce a yearly report on how many cases it’s finishing with opinions got the thumbs up from the Florida House on Friday. The legislation (HB 301), which has an identical companion in the Senate, was approved 78-37. The bill, by Republican state Rep. Frank White of Pensacola, would […]

Associated PressMarch 9, 2017

Florida lawmakers are trying for the second year in a row to fix the state’s death penalty law. The Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to require a unanimous jury decision to impose the death penalty. The House is also prepared for a vote on the issue. It could be the first major bill sent to […]

Jim RosicaMarch 8, 2017

A lawyer for the widow of a Florida man “addict(ed) to cigarettes” asked the state Supreme Court Monday to reinstate her $30 million jury award for punitive damages. Tallahassee attorney John S. Mills, who represents Joan Schoeff, told the court the conduct of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.(RJR)—in selling a product they knew was killing 500,000 people a year—stopped just short […]

Associated PressMarch 6, 2017

The Florida Supreme Court is being asked to approve the wording of a proposed amendment that could allow convicted criminals to vote. Backers of the amendment went before the high court on Monday. Justices must decide whether the amendment is misleading. Florida’s constitution bars people convicted of felonies from being able to vote after they […]

Associated PressMarch 2, 2017

The Florida Supreme Court says there’s nothing wrong with a state law that bans openly carrying handguns. In a 4-2 decision Thursday, the court rejected a claim that the law is unconstitutional because it restricts the federally protected right to bear arms. Concealed weapons permit holder Dale Norman was arrested by Fort Pierce police in […]

Jim RosicaMarch 2, 2017

A North Florida judge used as an example by a House panel looking into impeachment of public officials has been suspended for six months by the Florida Supreme Court. The court’s 46-page decision, released Thursday, also orders 3rd Circuit Judge Andrew Decker to get a public reprimand and pay investigative costs. A judicial misconduct hearing panel had recommended […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 24, 2017

The Florida Supreme Court has declined to hear Florida Power & Light Co.’s appeal of a lower court ruling blocking the company’s plan to build two new nuclear power reactors at Turkey Point. The court issued an order declining to accept jurisdiction in the case. The move leaves intact a ruling by the 3rd District Court […]

Michael MolineFebruary 21, 2017

Bills that would require unanimous jury votes to impose the death penalty, and ask voters whether to impose term limits on appellate judges, were headed to the House floor following their approval Tuesday by the House Judiciary Committee. The death penalty bill attracted a single “no” vote, and that was from Democrat Joe Geller, who said […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 21, 2017

A bill aimed at speeding up the handling of political redistricting court cases cut it close Tuesday, clearing its second Senate committee by a 4-3 party-line vote. The legislation (SB 352) was OK’d by the Senate Ethics and Election Committee, with all three Democrats on the panel voting no. The bill is a response to court challenges over […]

Associated PressFebruary 20, 2017

Florida prosecutors can seek the death penalty in ongoing cases despite a state Supreme Court ruling that found a new death penalty law unconstitutional. The court ruled Monday that the death penalty can be applied as long as there is a unanimous jury recommendation. It ruled last October that a new state law requiring at […]

Tag: Florida Supreme Court

Supreme Court case reporting bill passed by House

Florida tries again to fix death-penalty law

Smoker’s widow fights for multimillion-dollar jury award

Florida Supreme Court considers voting rights amendment

Florida Supreme Court upholds ban on openly carrying guns

Supreme Court suspends judge considered by House impeachment panel

Supreme Court won’t hear FPL’s Turkey Point nuke project appeal

Judicial term limits, death penalty bills clear final House committee votes

Redistricting overhaul barely clears second Senate panel

Florida prosecutors can seek death penalty despite questions