What is Judicial Consolidation and Why are We Talking About It?
After Florida lawmakers in 2022 reorganized the state’s appeals courts, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, is pushing to consolidate circuit courts.
A committee appointed by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muniz will hold a meeting Friday to examine consolidation of Florida’s 20-circuit system. Muniz issued an order June 30 appointing the committee after receiving a request from Renner.
Under the state Constitution, the Supreme Court can “certify” recommendations to the Legislature about a need to decrease or redefine judicial circuits. The Legislature then would make a decision.
The Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee will hold a public hearing, followed by a meeting of the Committee, on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (ET), at the Orange County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room, Orlando, Florida.
Why Are Some People Calling this Judicial Gerrymandering?
As reported by the Florida Bulldog:
But what’s billed as a no-brainer, long overdue shake-up to streamline court operations and save money isn’t so simple, knowledgeable observers say. They contend that consolidation has much more to do with redrawing the judicial circuit map so Republicans can put the voters they want in the places they want them; in a word, gerrymandering.
The observers consider who raised the court consolidation issue, who’s leading the exploratory committee and the timing related to next year’s elections. They track a record that shows the Republican leaders of Florida’s unitary government want a court system devoted to boosting the state party’s standard-bearer, presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“It would certainly seem incongruous for Republicans to claim they have no designs to increase their control of the judicial system,” legal historian Neil Skene said.
“Consolidation may mean that there are fewer courthouses and reduced availability to people, especially those with transportation challenges,” he said. The committee probably won’t focus on public access to courts, however.
This isn’t about government efficiency — this is about making our judicial system less accessible and weakening the ability for Floridians to elect local judges, State Attorneys, and Public Defenders who reflect our values.
What Can You Do About It?
The Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee will hold a meeting and public hearing on August 25, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (ET), at the Orange County Courthouse, Orlando, Florida.
The meeting will be in-person and also available virtually through Webex. You can click the link below to register to attend virtually. Those who plan to attend in person do not need to register. If you would like to speak during the public hearing portion, either in person or virtually, complete the Public Hearing Appearance Form, in advance of the meeting if possible. For further information, contact Maggie Lewis at (850) 922-5106 or lewism@flcourts.org.
Visit this website to learn more. There is also a survey linked that you can fill out as well.
