Florida’s Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Rick Scott cannot appoint three justices to the court on the last day of his term, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
The court ruled that Scott, a Republican, exceeded his authority by directing the Judicial Nominating Commission to begin the process to replace three retiring justices, who will leave office the same day as Scott. The League of Women Voters and Common Cause filed a lawsuit to halt the proceedings.
“As the JNC is an independent body, it is not bound by Governor Scott’s deadlines,” reads the court order.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum hailed the decision in a statement to the Orlando Sentinel, while Republican candidate Ron DeSantis warned that it could allow for a more liberal court.
"I am pleased the Florida Supreme Court has brought closure to this important issue finding, as we have consistently stated, that the next Governor of Florida will appoint the next three Supreme Court justices," Gillum said in an emailed statement. "It is a duty I take extremely seriously and, as Governor, one of my top priorities will be to restore integrity to the judicial nominating process."
“Today’s decision makes November’s election even more critical for the future of our state,” said a spokesperson for DeSantis. “If Andrew Gillum is elected, out-of-state, radical groups would pressure him to appoint activist judges who would legislate from the bench to fit their own ideology. The consequences of this would be felt for generations, and it would be dangerous for every person in our state.”
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