Florida Bar President Warns of Single-Issue Opposition to Justices

Scott Hawkins, the Florida Bar president, expressed concern to members of the Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board that issue-oriented political groups may target some of the Supreme Court justices up for re-election next year.

One of the points the Florida Bar wants to make," Hawkins said, according to the New-Journal reported, is If you are going to assess a judge, is it fair to look at one particular ruling or do you assess a body of work?

Once appointed, a Florida Supreme Court judgeis up for a merit retention vote every six years until required to retire at the age of 70.

Justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis and Peggy Quince are each up for election next year.

Pariente and Lewis were each first appointed by former Gov. Lawton Chiles, while both Chiles and former Gov. Jeb Bush agreed on the appointment of Quince.

Hawkins also addressed judicial funding from the Legislature during the sit-down.

Read more about Hawkins meeting with the News-Journal editorial board here.