Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Martin DyckmanFebruary 15, 2015

The premise underlying Florida’s death penalty is that it will be carried out fairly. To borrow a phrase, that is a bright and shining lie. As the first to re-enact capital punishment after the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down in 1972, Florida’s Legislature provided specific criteria for death sentences and required the state Supreme […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 6, 2015

If it’s too early to anoint a presidential front-runner among the Republicans, the national media are obviously treating Jeb Bush as one. Among the in-depth articles already up and running is a Boston Globe inquiry into his teenage years at the elite Phillips Academy nearly half a century ago. Another is a biting review on […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 5, 2015

If it’s too early to anoint a presidential front-runner among the Republicans, the national media are obviously treating Jeb Bush as one. Among the in-depth articles already up and running is a Boston Globe inquiry into his teenage years at the elite Phillips Academy nearly half a century ago. Another is a biting review on […]

Mark FerruloJanuary 23, 2015

January 6 was a monumental day as marriage equality finally came to Florida, and loving same-sex couples were granted the legal right to marry. Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel’s decision not only sparked jubilant celebrations across the state, it also served as an important reminder of the impact the judicial system has on critical issues, including […]

Mark FerruloJanuary 22, 2015

January 6 was a monumental day as marriage equality finally came to Florida, and loving same-sex couples were granted the legal right to marry. Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel’s decision not only sparked jubilant celebrations across the state, it also served as an important reminder of the impact the judicial system has on critical issues, including […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 21, 2015

A bill arising from a Florida wetlands case that was decided in the U. S. Supreme Court has been filed in advance of the 2015 Legislative Session. The Supreme Court in 2013 overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling against the late Coy A. Koontz Sr., who sought to build on 3.7 of his 15 acres […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 8, 2015

If you need to go to court, do you want the judge wondering, as a politician might, why your lawyer didn’t contribute to her campaign? Or didn’t give enough? That’s the crux of a Florida case to be argued at the U.S. Supreme Court on January 20. Yanell Williams-Yulee, a Tampa lawyer, is appealing a […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 8, 2015

If you need to go to court, do you want the judge wondering, as a politician might, why your lawyer didn’t contribute to her campaign? Or didn’t give enough? That’s the crux of a Florida case to be argued at the U.S. Supreme Court on January 20. Yanell Williams-Yulee, a Tampa lawyer, is appealing a […]

Martin DyckmanDecember 4, 2014

As if American students don’t already face enough standardized tests, here comes another. Legislatures in eight states are considering adding success on a civics test to the requirements for high school graduation. Florida isn’t one of them, but it can’t be long before test-happy Tallahassee adopts the idea, which surfaced most recently in North Dakota. […]

Martin DyckmanDecember 3, 2014

As if American students don’t already face enough standardized tests, here comes another. Legislatures in eight states are considering adding success on a civics test to the requirements for high school graduation. Florida isn’t one of them, but it can’t be long before test-happy Tallahassee adopts the idea, which surfaced most recently in North Dakota. […]

Tag: U.S. Supreme Court
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Martin Dyckman: Capital punishment in Florida is death by judicial whim

Martin Dyckman: Jeb Bush’s behavior in the Schiavo case is unworthy of a governor — or a president

Martin Dyckman: Jeb Bush’s behavior in the Schiavo case is unworthy of a governor — or a president

Mark Ferrulo: Marriage equality underscores vital role of our courts

Mark Ferrulo: Marriage equality underscores vital role of our courts

Bill deals with U. S. Supreme Court wetlands case

Martin Dyckman: Will U.S. Supreme Court listen to Florida on campaign financing and judicial integrity?

Martin Dyckman: Will U.S. Supreme Court listen to Florida on campaign financing and judicial integrity?

Martin Dyckman: Watch for yet another standardized test — this one on civics

Martin Dyckman: Watch for yet another standardized test — this one on civics