Jacek Stramski | The saga involving former Leon County Judge Judith Hawkins has not ended following her removal from the bench for, among other things, using her office to run a private business by selling a self-published book and for
Court May Clarify What Constitutes an Antique Firearm
John Koeppel The State of Florida recently petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to clarify what constitutes an antique firearm for purposes of section 790.23, Fla. Stat. (2012), which prohibits possession of a firearm by a felon. Weeks v. State (SC14-1856).
Court May Consider Challenge to Sinkhole Neutral Evaluation
Jacek Stramski A second challenge to the mandatory litigation stay provision in the state’s sinkhole neutral evaluation program was recently filed at the Florida Supreme Court. Bellas v. Citizens Property Ins. Corp. (SC14-1889). The Supreme Court has yet to rule
Petition for Authority to Increase Membership Fee Cap by $100 Per Year for Legal Services to the Poor
Regina Keenan Currently, Rule 1-7.3, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, sets Florida Bar membership fees at $265 per year. On June 16, 2014, a Petition was filed with the Florida Supreme Court, Case SC14-1165, to amend Rule 1-7.3 to provide
Constitutional Challenge to Workers’ Compensation Statute Pending Before the Court
By Herron Bond The Supreme Court of Florida has accepted discretionary jurisdiction to resolve constitutional challenges to the First District Court of Appeal’s en banc ruling in Westphal v. City of St. Petersburg, 122 So. 3d 440 (Fla. 1st DCA
Florida Supreme Court May Review Extension of Limited Sovereign Immunity to the UCF Athletics Association in Case Related to Football Player’s Death
By Herron Bond Pending before the Florida Supreme Court in Plancher v. University of Central Florida Athletics Association, Inc. (SC13-1872) is an appeal seeking discretionary review of the Fifth DCA’s rulings (Case Nos. 5D11-4253 and 5D12-454 and 5D11-2710) which found
Tamarac Mayor’s Bribery Case May be Considered by the Florida Supreme Court
By Scott Kalish Recently filed at the Supreme Court is an appeal that may address Florida’s anti-bribery laws. The parties have so far filed briefs on jurisdiction. Flansbaum-Talabisco v. State (SC13-1988). In 2011, the State of Florida charged Mayor Talabisco
Do Florida Stand Your Ground Laws Provide Immunity to Defendants Engaged in Unlawful Activity at the Time of Self-Defense?
By Jacek Stramski The latest twist in the bizarre saga that has been Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law may soon unfold at the Florida Supreme Court. The issue that has been presented to the Court, which has not yet accepted
Medical Marijuana Constitutional Amendment is up for Review; Attorney General Argues it is Invalid
On October 24, the Attorney General filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court to determine the validity of a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize marijuana. The case is In re: People United for Medical Marijuana (SC13-2006). The Attorney
Florida Supreme Court Considers Proposed Advisory Opinion Clarifying Unauthorized Practice of Law for Community Association Managers
By Herron Bond Pending before the Florida Supreme Court is the Florida Bar’s Proposed Advisory Opinion In Re: Activities of Community Association Managers (SC13-889) clarifying whether certain functions performed by community association managers (CAMs) constitute the unauthorized practice of law.