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.
December 09, 2024
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The Florida Bar
REGISTRATION EXTENDED FOR FLORIDA BAR’S 2025 HIGH SCHOOL MOOT COURT COMPETITION
The Florida Bar | Article | December 09, 2024
The Florida Bar’s 2025 High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition case problem is now online. Teams can now write their briefs, the first phase of the two-part event. The deadline to register and submit briefs is January 31, 2025, by 5 p.m. Students, including homeschoolers, work in pairs with a teacher and an attorney-coach. Attorney-coach volunteers are needed and may work virtually or in person. The sign-up link can be found on the Moot Court Competition website. Following written brief submissions, qualifying teams present oral arguments at one of six district courts of appeal. District winners advance to state finals in Tallahassee before appellate judges. The top teams proceed to the final round before the Florida Supreme Court. Awards include Best Brief, Best Oralist, and overall champion.
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Judiciary
GOVERNOR DESANTIS MAKES THREE JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS
West Orlando News | Article | December 08, 2024
Governor Ron DeSantis appointed new judges to three Florida Circuit Courts. Johnathan Lott, of Fort Lauderdale, was named judge on the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, filling the vacancy left by Judge Murphy’s retirement. Lott, an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2020, earned his degrees from the University of Florida and University of Chicago. Laura Moody, of Rockledge, was appointed judge on the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court, filling Judge Maloney’s retired position. Moody has served as Chief Legal Counsel for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since 2019 and graduated from the University of Central Florida and Florida A&M University. Darrell Hill, of Labelle, was appointed judge on the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by HB 5401. Hill, a County Court Judge since 2018, holds degrees from the University of Florida and Cumberland School of Law.
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Criminal Justice
PROSECUTOR SEEKS TO CLEAR RECORDS OF PEOPLE CHARGED WITH BUYING POLICE-MADE CRACK IN 1980S
Associated Press | Article | December 08, 2024
Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor announced plans to vacate up to 2,600 convictions related to a 1980s sting operation where the Broward County Sheriff’s Office manufactured and sold crack cocaine. The Florida Supreme Court ruled in 1993 that such cases were invalid. Pryor discovered that many individuals still had criminal charges or convictions despite the ruling. The sting, which involved undercover deputies selling crack near schools, led to harsh sentences, especially for those convicted of purchasing drugs. Defense lawyer Ed Hoeg highlighted the unfair targeting of addicts. Pryor has notified Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, who supports the review. The process will take time, and affected individuals will be contacted.
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Criminal Justice
TAMPA MAN ACCUSED OF HATE CRIME IN DEADLY SHOOTING OF GAY MAN CLAIMS SELF-DEFENSE
Associated Press | Article | December 09, 2024
Gerald Radford, charged with second-degree murder in the killing of John “Walt” Lay, argued in court that he acted in self-defense when he shot Lay at a Tampa dog park on February 2. Radford testified that Lay had repeatedly hit him in the face before the shooting. Prosecutors seek additional hate-crime penalties, citing Radford’s prior use of homophobic slurs. Witnesses testified that Radford had harassed Lay for months and had threatened him the day before the shooting. Radford acknowledged using slurs but denied it was because of Lay’s sexual orientation. Prosecutors disputed Radford’s self-defense claim, pointing to inconsistencies in his account and the autopsy evidence. Judge Samantha Ward will rule on the stand-your-ground motion next week.