The purpose of this summary provided by the Communications Department of The Florida Bar is to present media coverage that may be of interest to members. Opinions expressed in the articles are attributable solely to the authors. The Florida Bar does not adopt or endorse any opinions expressed below. For information on previous articles, please contact the publishing newspaper directly.
September 13, 2024
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The Florida Bar
PALM BEACH COUNTY NOW OFFERS LACTATION ROOMS IN ALL FOUR OF ITS COURTHOUSES
The Florida Bar | Article | September 13, 2024
On Tuesday [September 10] Palm Beach County celebrated the opening of its fourth lactation room in the courthouse, marking the final one in the county. Chief Judge Glenn Kelley, Rep. Ashley Gantt, and members of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) attended the event. The lactation rooms, located in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, and Belle Glade, opened in 2017, 2019, and 2023. Circuit Court Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer and FAWL played key roles in the project. These spaces offer privacy for nursing mothers, replacing unsuitable areas previously used. FAWL President Victoria Mesa-Estrada and Past President Katie Kiziah emphasized the impact on working mothers.
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The Florida Bar
FLORIDA BAR DEBUTS JUDICIAL VOTING RESOURCE
News - Gazette | Article | September 12, 2024
For the November 5 general election, The Florida Bar launched “The Vote’s in Your Court,” a guide for voters to learn about judges on the ballot. This resource includes a website, www.TheVotesInYourCourt.com, and a downloadable voter guide to educate Florida voters. The website aims to make voter education more accessible. Judges in merit retention elections appear on the ballot every six years, allowing voters to decide if they remain based on performance. Florida judges are either elected or retained by voters, giving the public a say in who holds these crucial positions.
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Civil Justice
THIRD DCA ENTERS RULING PROVIDING GUIDANCE ON BURDEN-SHIFTING SANCTIONS
Daily Business Review | Article | September 12, 2024
The Third District Court of Appeal (DCA) in Florida issued a ruling on the case of John W. Schmitz vs. Dorothy Joan Schmitz on Tuesday [September 10]. The DCA affirmed, reversed in part, and remanded the trial court’s judgment. The court found that improper burden-shifting sanctions were applied to certain crossclaims, requiring reconsideration. John Schmitz, represented by Alejandro Brito, sued after being removed as president of SDC, an Illinois company. Joan and Cheryl Schmitz counterclaimed for breach of contract and fiduciary duty. The trial court awarded over $4.5 million to Joan, Cheryl, and SDC, imposing a constructive trust on John’s SDC shares. The DCA vacated some rulings, including those related to fraudulent concealment and the constructive trust. Judge Alexander S. Bokor wrote the opinion.
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Civil Justice
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES RAISE PROSPECT OF TOSSING FAIR DISTRICTS AMENDMENT
Florida Politics | Article | September 13, 2024
On Tuesday [September 10], the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments on the state’s congressional map, drawn by Governor Ron DeSantis’ office and approved by the Legislature in 2022. The challenge alleges the map violates the Fair Districts Amendment (FDA) by diminishing Black communities’ voting power. The map dismantled the district previously represented by Rep. Al Lawson, leading to concerns that the change reduced Black voting strength in North Florida. Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz questioned whether the FDA is enforceable, while Justice John Couriel raised concerns about racial motivations behind the redistricting. Henry Whitaker, representing DeSantis, defended the map as race-neutral.