Below is a selection of bills signed by the Governor as of today DEATH PENALTY This key issue was resolved early in the session with the Legislature passing a bill that requires unanimous jury recommendations before defendants can be sentenced to death. Clarification about Florida’s death penalty law had been needed since January 2016 Read more about Bills signed by Governor Scott[…]
DEATH PENALTY The Florida Attorney General’s Office has stated that they intend to appeal the recent Florida Supreme Court death penalty ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Florida court ruled that jury death penalty recommendations must be unanimous. DEATH SENTENCE REVIEWS Reacting to their unanimous death penalty sentencing ruling, the Florida Supreme Court has Read more about Legal Issues[…]
SEMINOLE INDIAN GAMING PACT On October 26th the Seminole Indian tribe filed a federal lawsuit seeking legal relief. The Tribe alleges the State violated their exclusive right to hold “banked” games in their casinos. The Tribe stated the suit was preemptive in nature should the ongoing talks flounder or break down entirely. With the ninety day negotiating period ending on October 31st, the State filed a federal lawsuit to stop banked games in the Indian casinos. These suits are in federal court because the State has no authority to enforce its laws on federally recognized tribes, one of which are the Seminole Indians. Meanwhile, the Indian casinos continue to offer the card games.
OPEN CARRY LAW REVIEW The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to review the case of a Fort Pierce man’s 2012 conviction for openly carrying a firearm. Dale Norman has challenged Florida’s existing law against such brandishing. Previously, the Fourth District Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, and it was subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court. Oral arguments have not been scheduled.
DEATH PENALTY SENTENCING Arguments have been heard before the Florida Supreme Court in a case involving death sentences. Current law does not require a unanimous jury vote to suggest a sentence of death. A simple majority can make the recommendation. However, the presiding judge shall use the jury decision as a recommendation, and can overrule the suggestion. Legal experts claim such practices have been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court when they ruled judges cannot make factual findings about capital crimes. […]