The Florida Supreme Court is advocating for the addition of 50 more lower-level Judges in the state to address the growing needs of the justice system. The court’s opinion, released ahead of the Legislative Session, calls for more circuit court, county court, and district court judgeships to handle the increasing workload. The recommendation includes the need for additional judges in specific districts, such as the 20th Circuit and Miami-Dade. The court also suggests addressing excess judicial capacity in certain districts through attrition. Additionally, the opinion highlights findings from a recent survey of Judges on the impact of caseloads on the quality of justice, emphasizing the need for more time to manage complex cases effectively. The argument is that the increased complexity of cases, particularly in civil disputes, requires more time for case management than previously thought. The Supreme Court’s recommendations aim to ensure that the state judiciary is equipped to provide fair and efficient justice to all citizens. Overall, the proposed increase in judgeships reflects the state’s recognition of the importance of ensuring access to justice for all and addressing the evolving needs of the legal system as the state continues to grow. The Legislature will now need to consider and act on the court’s recommendation during the upcoming session.
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