Florida Supreme Court Justice James Perry announced that he would be retiring from his position in the high court. This is due to laws in Florida's constitution that force the retirement of anyone on the court that exceed the age of 70. Perry is currently 72, but the constitution allows for some leeway to allow the justice to complete their current term if they have less than 3 years left. Since his term ends later this year, he is legally forced to resign. Perry traditionally sided with the more liberal justices, however his retirement allows Gov. Rick Scott to appoint a more conservative justice.
The process of appointing a new justice to the state's highest court is a complicated process, however three contenders are standing out early in the process. C. Alan Lawson is the chief judge of the Fifth District Court of Appeal. He was appointed to that court by Jeb Bush in 2006. He graduated from Florida State University Law School in 1987 with the highest honors. Daniel J. Gerber is another contender for the position. He is a partner in the law office of Rumberger Kirk and Caldwell. He is well trusted by Gov. Scott. The third leading contender for the high court seat is Wendy Berger. She is a district judge in the Fifth District Court of Appeal to which Gov. Scott appointed her. She worked on criminal matters in Gov. Jeb Bush's legal office.
Gov. Scott has generally received positive feedback on his previous judicial appointments from everyone that interacts with them. It is important to him that he appoints those justices that will put the Florida laws above everything, and treat everyone consistently.
Source:
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/
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