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    What you should know about justice

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

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    Voters across Florida will be asked Nov. 5 whether two Florida Supreme Court justices should remain in office for another six years.

    There’s a yes or no question on the ballot, but for many voters it’s a difficult decision because they have no idea who Renatha Francis or Meredith Sasso are or what they did on the state’s highest court.

    Here’s what you should know about Meredith Sasso, but first, a little information about the Florida Supreme Court.

    Florida Supreme Court: What You Should Know

    • Florida Supreme Court: Supreme Court in Florida
    • members: There are seven judges
    • How many are needed to make the decision? In any case, at least five people must take part; For a decision to be made, at least four must agree
    • How long do they serve? Six years

    What is Judge Meredith Sasso’s background?

    Highlights:

    • Received his law degree from the University of Florida in 2008
    • Appointed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals by Governor Rick Scott in January 2019
    • Reappointed to the newly created Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals by Governor Ron DeSantis on January 1, 2023
    • Appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by DeSantis on May 23, 2023

    According to the Florida Supreme Court website, Sasso grew up in Tallahassee. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 2005 and her law degree from the University of Florida in 2008.

    “She began her career in private practice representing clients at trial and on appeal in the areas of major loss general liability, auto negligence and complex commercial claims in state and federal courts. She also served as a guardian ad litem, representing abused or neglected children.”

    “In August 2016, Sasso joined Governor Rick Scott’s Office of General Counsel, serving as Chief Deputy General Counsel. In this role, she represented the governor in litigation before the Florida Supreme Court, the First District Court of Appeals, and the state and federal courts, among others.

    “She is a member of the American Enterprise Institute Leadership Network and the Federalist Society.”

    What decisions has Meredith Sasso made in Supreme Court cases?

    In April, Sasso, Renatha Francis and another judge dissented from a court decision that would allow voters in the general election to decide whether to enshrine the right to abortion in the Florida Constitution. Sasso joined the argument that a vote summary on the abortion issue “misleads through omissions and does not reflect the scope of what the amendment actually does,” opening the door to decades-long court battles with overly broad, undefined guarantees.

    In June, Sasso agreed with other judges that a 2021 anti-rioter law should not be used against peaceful protesters. She also shared a June statement upholding DeSantis’ suspension of Orlando-area District Attorney Monique Worrell.

    How can you see how Meredith Sasso voted in other cases?

    To see how Sasso and the court’s other justices voted on cases, visit the Opinions page on the Florida Supreme Court website.

    You can also watch court hearings live and view archives of past cases online and on Facebook.

    Can you know where Sasso stands on issues like abortion or the death penalty?

    The court’s website says judicial candidates are prohibited from making predictions and promises about legal issues that may come before their courts.

    The Leadership Network describes itself as “an exclusive civic education and professional development program for outstanding government professionals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This program represents a unique opportunity for leaders across the country to participate in our efforts to increase opportunities for our fellow citizens.”

    The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies describes itself as a “group of conservatives and libertarians committed to reforming the current legal system.”

    “It is based on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of powers is a central part of our Constitution and that it is emphatically the task and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it is “The Society strives to promote, through its activities, both awareness of these principles and their application.”

    How to Contact Judge Meredith Sasso

    • Phone: 850-488-2361
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Mailing Address: 500 S. Duval St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1925.

    Special Note: The Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs judicial conduct, prohibits Florida Supreme Court justices from discussing pending cases with the public.

    How long do Florida Supreme Court justices serve?

    Under an amendment to the Florida Constitution approved by voters in the 1970s, Florida Supreme Court justices are initially appointed by the governor from a list of three to six names submitted by a Judicial Nominating Commission. The governor must select a new judge from the list.

    In the next general election, held more than a year after her appointment, the new justice will face Florida voters in a retention vote.

    If the new judge is not approved by voters, the governor would appoint a new judge.

    If voters approve the new justice, the term will be six years.

    Contributor: Steve Patterson, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union

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    Caradoc Wyn
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