Florida State Court: A Comprehensive Overview

Florida is known for its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and unique attractions. But when it comes to the legal system, the Florida State Court plays an integral role in administering justice. This article delves into the structure, jurisdiction, and various aspects of the Florida State Court system to provide a comprehensive understanding of its workings.

The Structure of the Florida State Court

The Florida State Court system is a four-tiered system that consists of trial courts (County Courts and Circuit Courts), District Courts of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and various specialty courts. Each level serves a different purpose, and together they ensure that justice is served in the state of Florida.

County Courts

At the lowest level of the Florida State Court system are the County Courts. These courts are commonly referred to as the "people's courts," as they handle the majority of the state's legal matters. Each of Florida's 67 counties has a County Court, presided over by county judges who are elected to six-year terms.

County Courts have jurisdiction over matters such as traffic violations, misdemeanor cases, small claims, and civil disputes involving $30,000 or less. They also conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases.

Circuit Courts

Circuit Courts are the next level in the Florida State Court system. There are 20 judicial circuits throughout the state, each with its own Circuit Court. These courts have general jurisdiction, which means they can hear any case that is not exclusively assigned to another court. Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over matters such as felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $30,000, probate and guardianship cases, and family law matters.

Circuit Court judges are elected to six-year terms, and they must be members of the Florida Bar for at least five years before taking office.

District Courts of Appeal

The next level in the Florida State Court system is the District Courts of Appeal. There are five District Courts of Appeal in Florida, with each court serving a specific geographic region. These courts review decisions from the trial courts to ensure that the law is applied correctly and fairly. They hear appeals from Circuit Courts and, in some cases, County Courts.

Judges on the District Courts of Appeal are appointed by the governor and then subject to a merit retention vote. These judges serve six-year terms.

Florida Supreme Court

At the top of the Florida State Court system is the Florida Supreme Court. The Supreme Court consists of seven justices who are appointed by the governor and then subject to a merit retention vote. Justices serve six-year terms, and the chief justice is selected by the members of the court.

The Florida Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction, meaning it can choose which cases it wants to review. The court primarily hears cases involving significant questions of law, cases with conflicting decisions in lower courts, and cases involving the constitutionality of state laws or rules.

Specialty Courts within the Florida State Court System

In addition to the four main levels of the Florida State Court system, there are several specialty courts designed to address specific types of cases. These courts include:

• Drug Courts: These courts focus on non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems. The goal is to provide rehabilitation and treatment rather than incarceration.
• Mental Health Courts: Mental Health Courts aim to address the unique needs of individuals with mental health issues who find themselves in the criminal justice system.
• Veterans Courts: Veterans Courts are designed to address the needs of military veterans who face legal issues, often related to their military service or reintegration into civilian life.

Jurisdiction in the Florida State Court

Jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide a case. In Florida, jurisdiction is divided between the state and federal court systems. The Florida State Court system has jurisdiction over cases involving state laws, while the federal court system has jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws.

Within the Florida State Court system, jurisdiction is further divided between the different levels of courts. County Courts have limited jurisdiction, while Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction. The District Courts of Appeal have appellate jurisdiction, meaning they can review decisions made by lower courts. The Florida Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction, which allows it to decide which cases it wants to hear.

Key Players in the Florida State Court

Several key players work within the Florida State Court system to ensure that justice is served fairly and efficiently. These players include:

• Judges: Judges are responsible for interpreting the law and making decisions in court cases. They are appointed or elected to their positions and are bound by ethical codes and rules of conduct.
• Attorneys: Attorneys are legal professionals who represent clients in court. They are responsible for presenting arguments, questioning witnesses, and providing evidence to support their case.
• Juries: Juries are groups of citizens who are selected to hear evidence in a trial and make a decision on the outcome. Juries are used in both criminal and civil cases in the Florida State Court system.
• Court Clerks: Court clerks are responsible for maintaining court records, managing administrative tasks, and ensuring that court proceedings run smoothly.

Landmark Cases in the Florida State Court

Over the years, the Florida State Court system has presided over many landmark cases that have shaped the legal landscape in the state. Some of the most notable cases include:

• Bush v. Gore: This 2000 case centered on the contested presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. The case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, with a decision in favor of Bush ultimately handing him the presidency.
• Roe v. Wade of Florida: This 1989 case established the right to privacy in Florida, allowing women to obtain abortions without interference from the state government.
• DeLisle v. Crane Co.: This 2019 case set a precedent for legal liability in asbestos exposure cases, ruling that companies can be held responsible for products they did not manufacture but that were used in conjunction with their products.

Conclusion

The Florida State Court system plays a vital role in ensuring justice is served in the state of Florida. With its four-tiered structure, specialty courts, and key players, the system is designed to provide fair and impartial decisions in a range of legal matters. From the County Courts to the Florida Supreme Court, the Florida State Court system upholds the law and protects the rights of its citizens.