News & Featured Stories

Anthony Salem Appointed to Duval County Court

On June 5, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Anthony Salem to the Duval County Court. Salem, 34, of Jacksonville, has been an Assistant General for the City of Jacksonville since 2017. He previously served as a prosecutor for the Fourth Circuit State Attorney’s Office. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University […]

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Anthony Miller Appointed to Leon County Court

On June 4, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Anthony Miller to the Leon County Court. Miller, 48, of Georgia, has been the General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer for Florida’s Agency for State Technology since 2017. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and his law degree from […]

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Ask Judge Smith: Juggling Chainsaws

Read Judge Smith’s recent Ask Judge Smith column Juggling chainsaws best left to legal professionals. Judge Layne Smith is a Leon County Court Judge who often speaks and writes about civics, the law, and the administration of justice. Source: Tallahassee Democrat

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Ask Judge Smith: Judges appointed or elected depending on court

Read Judge Smith’s recent Ask Judge Smith column Judges appointed or elected depending on court. Judge Layne Smith is a Leon County Court Judge who often speaks and writes about civics, the law, and the administration of justice. Source: Tallahassee Democrat

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Lake County Court Judge Brian Welke Appointed to Circuit Bench

On April 23, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Brian Welke to the Fifth Circuit Court. Welke, 54, of Wisconsin, has served as a Judge of Lake County since 2016. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from the University of Tulsa. Prior to joining the bench, […]

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Polk County Court Judge Sharon Franklin Appointed to Circuit Bench

On April 23, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Sharon Franklin to the Tenth Circuit Court. Franklin, 57, of Maine, has served as a Polk County Judge since 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree from Troy State University and her law degree from Barry University College of Law. Prior to joining the bench, […]

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Ask Judge Smith: Look at court proceeding as a two-sided pancake

Read Judge Smith’s recent Ask Judge Smith column Look at court proceeding as a two-sided pancake. Judge Layne Smith is a Leon County Court Judge who often speaks and writes about civics, the law, and the administration of justice. Source: Tallahassee Democrat

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The sound of silence: Judges stay mum on politics

Read Judge Smith’s recent Ask Judge Smith column The sound of silence: Judges stay mum on politics. Judge Layne Smith is a Leon County Court Judge who often speaks and writes about civics, the law, and the administration of justice. Source: Tallahassee Democrat