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Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott moved Tuesday to defuse litigation over his authority to replace the Florida Supreme Court’s liberal wing by offering to confer with his successor on candidates to fill the seats of Fred Lewis, Peggy Quince and Barbara Pariente. Scott had said he planned to announce their replacements on Jan. 7, his last day in office, which […]

Jim RosicaAugust 29, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court will now consider whether general election voters will get to see a constitutional amendment ending live greyhound racing. Lawyers for the state and the Florida Greyhound Association gave argument Wednesday before the state’s seven justices. As usual, the court offered no clue when it might rule. The association challenged the amendment, saying […]

Bob SparksNovember 9, 2017

What a year we’re having in Florida’s capital city. Just not in a good way. In April, we had the sad spectacle of Miami Republican Sen. Frank Artiles resigning from the Senate after uttering racial slurs in the direction of Jacksonville Democrat Audrey Gibson. Less than two weeks ago, incoming Senate Democratic Leader Jeff Clemens […]

Mitch PerryAugust 22, 2017

Unsurprisingly, Democratic candidates for governor say the power to appoint state Supreme Court justices in 2019 lies with whoever wins next November, while Republican candidates are divided on the issue. Progressive groups are now battling Gov. Rick Scott in court over his authority to replace the three liberal-leaning justices—R. Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy […]

Mitch PerryJuly 5, 2017

In one of his first public statements since he announced his candidacy last month, Democratic Attorney General candidate Ryan Torrens says he’s strongly opposed to Rick Scott’s attempt to replace three members of the Florida Supreme Court on his last day of office in 2019. “In 2014, Florida voters had an opportunity to approve a constitutional […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 13, 2016

During the 2014 gubernatorial race, selecting Supreme Court justices was a campaign issue between Rick Scott and Charlie Crist. Though Florida’s executive and legislative branches have been fiercely conservative for going on nearly two decades now, the judiciary has not, though that slowly could be changing. On Monday, Justice James E.C. Perry, the fourth black ever […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

When it comes to attorney’s fees, how much is not enough? The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday heard argument on a law firm’s position that it didn’t get paid enough for helping a brain-damaged young man get a claim bill from the Florida Legislature. Lawmakers in 2012 passed such a bill for Aaron Edwards, who born […]

Martin DyckmanApril 29, 2016

Any law that invades the privacy and liberties of American citizens should come into court facing a heavy burden of proof. Does it serve a compelling public interest? Is it the most reasonable — that is, the least restrictive — approach? That’s doubly true in Florida, whose state constitution contains an explicit right to privacy. […]

Martin DyckmanApril 28, 2016

Any law that invades the privacy and liberties of American citizens should come into court facing a heavy burden of proof. Does it serve a compelling public interest? Is it the most reasonable — that is, the least restrictive — approach? That’s doubly true in Florida, whose state constitution contains an explicit right to privacy. […]

Bob SparksJanuary 14, 2016

On Tuesday night, the U.S. House and Senate gathered in a joint session to hear President Barack Obama deliver his final State of the Union address. Tuesday morning, the Florida House of Representatives and Senate also convened in joint session for Gov. Rick Scott’s State of the State remarks. These speeches normally provide a roadmap […]

Tag: Peggy Quince

Rick Scott says he’ll consult his successor on Supreme Court vacancies

High court hears argument on dog racing ban

Supreme Court brings new meaning to ‘oral arguments’

Candidates weigh in on question about Rick Scott making Supreme Court appointments in 2019

Attorney General candidate Ryan Torrens calls out Rick Scott for attempt to pack Supreme Court

Mitch Perry Report for 9.13.16 — Florida’s Supreme Court is about to get a little more conservative

Claim bill process under judicial microscope

Martin Dyckman: Impose a delay on tummy tucks; they’re more dangerous than abortions

Martin Dyckman: Impose a delay on tummy tucks; they’re more dangerous than abortions

Bob Sparks: U.S. Supreme Court adds to Legislature’s “to do” list