A Voters Guide to the 2024 Florida Judicial Ballot...

Voters typically retain a Justice unless there is widespread controversy or concern about their performance. 

FLORIDA  
Opinion by:  E. Eugene Webb PhD

I ask my artificial intelligence resources (AI) the following two questions:

1. Should the following Florida Supreme Court Judges be retained in the 2024 election? Judge Renatha Francis, Judge Meredith Sasso?
2. Which of the following Florida District 5 appeal judges should be retained in the 2024 election. Judge Adrian Saud, Judge Eric J Eisnaugle, Judge Harvey L. Jay, III, Judge John McIver, Judge Joseph Boatwright II, Judge Paige Kilbane?

As you will quickly notice, if you go to any of the voters’ guides that are offered on the Internet, almost none of them propose voting against the current two candidates for the Florida Supreme Court.

Probably not too surprising: You wouldn't want to be a big law firm, large business in Florida, or any firm that might end up appearing before the Florida Supreme Court and be on the record voting no to retain one of the Supreme Court Justices who would likely be deciding your fate should your case end up in the Florida Supreme Court.

Here is a summary of the answers.

Florida Supreme Court

Justice Renatha Francis
Justice Meredith Sasso 
   
In the 2024 election, Florida Supreme Court Justices Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso are up for their first merit retention vote. Both were appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis and face a decision from voters on whether they should continue serving on the state's highest court.

Both justices are generally expected to garner strong support for retention, especially given their alignment with the current political and judicial climate in Florida. Historically, Florida Supreme Court justices are retained unless there is a substantial public controversy regarding their judicial conduct or decisions, which has not been a major issue for either Francis or Sasso thus far.

If you believe in their judicial philosophy and performance, retaining them would align with maintaining consistency in the court’s conservative direction. However, the ultimate decision lies with voters who may weigh other factors in their decision.

• Justice Renatha Francis: Appointed in 2022, she became the first Jamaican-American to serve on the Florida Supreme Court. Francis is known for her conservative judicial philosophy and her emphasis on interpreting the law as written, aligning with originalist principles.
• Justice Meredith Sasso: Appointed in 2023, Sasso previously served on Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal, where she was retained in a previous merit retention vote in 2020. Sasso has a strong background in appellate law and has also been described as a conservative jurist with a focus on strict interpretation of legal texts.

Voters typically retain a Justice unless there is widespread controversy or concern about their performance. Both Francis and Sasso are expected to receive strong support, reflecting Florida's current judicial climate and their alignment with conservative values​
Jacksonville Today, WMNF 88.5 FM

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT ENDORSEMENTS As of Post Publication Date
Note you may encounter Pay Walls on some or all these sites.

Tampa Bay Times -The Tampa Bay Times has not yet issued a straightforward endorsement regarding the retention of Florida Supreme Court justices in the 2024 election, particularly for Justices Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso. However, both justices were appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis and are members of the conservative Federalist Society. Their judicial decisions, including opposing amendments for abortion rights and recreational marijuana, have made their merit retention votes more politically charged.

The Florida Times Union - Not able to find a specific endorsement from The Florida Times-Union regarding the retention of Florida Supreme Court Justices Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso for the 2024 election.

Miami Herald Endorsement: Two Florida Supreme court justices deserve a ‘no’ on retention vote: Opinion BY THE MIAMI HERALD EDITORIAL BOARD UPDATED OCTOBER 11, 2024, 12:33 PM

“Up for retention on the Nov. 5 general election ballot are Justices Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso, two appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The justices’ efforts to stop voters from having their say on two important ballot issues — recreational marijuana and abortion rights — should earn them a resounding “no” vote from the people of Florida.”

South Florida Sun Sentinel: Vote no, twice, and remove these Florida justices | Endorsement By Sun Sentinel Editorial Board October 8, 2024, at 11:34 a.m.

Voters should vote no on whether to reinstate supreme court justices Renatha Francis and Justice Meredith Sasso...

 My Recommendation for Florida Supreme Court:

Justice Renatha Francis  Vote NO
Justice Meredith Sasso    Vote NO

FLORIDA'S FIFTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

In the 2024 election, several judges from Florida's Fifth District Court of Appeal are up for merit retention. Voters will decide whether these judges should remain in office. According to various voter guides and resources, the following judges are recommended for retention:

• Judge Adrian G. Soud
• Judge Eric J. Eisnaugle
• Judge Harvey L. Jay III
• Judge John MacIver
• Judge Joseph Boatwright II
• Judge Paige Kilbane

These judges have received positive recommendations for retention based on their qualifications, judicial performance, and overall merit​
Jacksonville Today, Florida Family Action, Florida Bar 

My Recommendation 
Vote Yes to retain these Judges

If you live in one of the other Florida judicial districts you may want to check with your local media to see if they have an endorsement for any of the candidates running in the district.

E-mail Doc at mail to: dr.gwebb@yahoo.com or send me a Facebook (E. Eugene Webb) Friend request. Like or share on Facebook, follow me on  X at  @DOC ON THE BAY.