Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineOctober 17, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday cleared three proposed constitutional amendments for the Nov. 6 ballot, narrowly rejecting a challenge by retired Supreme Court Justice Harry Lee Anstead that they improperly bundled multiple items. In an unsigned opinion, the majority ruled that the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) was within its authority under state law, and the state […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 17, 2018

Florida’s solicitor general Monday asked the Florida Supreme Court to allow three proposed constitutional amendments on the November ballot. Solicitor General Amit Agarwal, who filed an initial brief, appealed a lower court’s decision blocking the ballot measures. Agarwal reports to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Circuit Judge Karen Gievers had found that the three proposals – including a measure that would […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously agreed to consider a challenge on whether three proposed constitutional amendments should be blocked from the November ballot. The court, however, postponed a decision “as to whether the case will be submitted … with or without oral argument,” its order said. Attorney General Pam Bondi appealed after Circuit […]

Jim RosicaAugust 28, 2018

The state’s highest court has punted a challenge that six proposed constitutional amendments were wrongfully “bundled.” Without explanation, the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously kicked the case to the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, with a proviso that the trial judge assigned the case “should not interpret the transfer of this case as an […]

Jim RosicaAugust 21, 2018

There’s no such thing as improper ‘bundling’ of issues when it comes to amendments proposed by the state’s Constitution Revision Commission, Attorney General Pam Bondi argued in a new filing on Monday. Bondi responded to a challenge filed last week at the Florida Supreme Court by one of its retired justices, Harry Lee Anstead. He said six CRC amendments […]

Jim RosicaAugust 14, 2018

Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Harry Lee Anstead is challenging six proposed constitutional amendments on grounds they violate voters’ First Amendment rights. Anstead, who served on the Supreme Court 1994-2009, on Tuesday filed a petition with the court for a writ of ‘quo warranto,’ a court action against government officials to demand they prove their authority […]

Scott PowersApril 21, 2017

A group of more than 40 former Florida Supreme Court justices, and judges, prosecutors and legal officials from throughout the country are filing an amicus brief supporting Orlando’s State Attorney Aramis Ayala in her power-struggle with Gov. Rick Scott, contending that the issues in their court battles are of national importance. “By seeking to remove […]

Scott PowersMarch 20, 2017

More than 100 current or former judges, prosecutors, law professors and other legal scholars — including two former Florida Supreme Court chief justices — have signed a letter to Gov. Rick Scott expressing their support Orlando State Attorney Aramis Ayala‘s right to decide not to pursue death penalty cases and urging the governor to back […]

Associated PressMay 4, 2016

With the fate of hundreds of Florida death row inmates in limbo, a group of former top judges and legal officials called on the state Supreme Court to impose life sentences on nearly 400 people now awaiting execution. The group, which includes three former state Supreme Court justices and two former presidents of the American […]

Tag: Harry Lee Anstead

Justices OK ‘bundling,’ amendments will go to voters

‘Bundled’ amendments prevent ballot fatigue, state says

Supreme Court accepts ‘bundling’ challenge to constitutional amendments

Supreme Court passes on ‘bundling’ challenge to constitutional amendments

Pam Bondi says certain constitutional amendments can be ‘bundled’

Former Supreme Court justice challenges constitutional amendments

More than 40 top judicial, prosecutorial officials to file in support of Aramis Ayala

More than 100 justices, judges, law professors express support for Aramis Ayala

Florida’s high court urged to throw out death sentences