Judicial Campaign Conduct Forums scheduled for May 2 and 3

Judicial Campaign Conduct Forums scheduled for May 2 and 3

All candidates seeking election as judges or standing for merit retention in 2024 will soon be able to participate in judicial campaign conduct forums offering training in the rules governing election to judicial office.

Sponsored by the Supreme Court of Florida and The Florida Bar Board of Governors, the forums are held every election year with support of the state’s trial court chief judges and the Court’s Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee.

Scheduled Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, the forums will emphasize the importance of conducting campaigns in compliance with the myriad laws and rules governing judicial elections. All judicial candidates seeking contested seats or facing active opposition for merit retention are encouraged to participate in one of several forums presently scheduled in five cities across the state. Candidates unable to be present will have the opportunity to participate at a statewide webinar on May 3. Subject to change after the close of qualifying, the schedule is below.

Chief judges will open the forums with brief remarks emphasizing the importance of public trust and confidence in the judicial system. Representatives of the Board of Governors will speak regarding the Bar’s role in judicial elections and Bar rules applicable to candidates for judicial office.

Members of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee will offer a summary review of Canon 7 of Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct, give examples of activities that may violate the code, and call attention to resources available to all candidates for judicial office. The JEAC will further impress upon candidates, campaign staff, and others in the community the seriousness with which the Supreme Court views any abuse of the elections process.

“The judicial branch depends upon public confidence in the individuals who have been given the privilege and the responsibility of serving as judges,” said Second DCA Judge Matthew C. (“Matt”) Lucas, who chairs the JEAC.

Given the negative impact that campaign misconduct can have on that confidence, Judge Lucas noted that the forums serve as reminders to candidates that “the Supreme Court of Florida vigorously enforces the rules governing campaign practices among those seeking election to judicial office.”

The Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee renders advisory opinions interpreting the application of the Code of Judicial Conduct to specific circumstances confronting or affecting judges and judicial candidates. The JEAC’s elections booklet, An Aid to Understanding Canon 7 are available on the Court’s website at https://supremecourt.flcourts.gov/Opinions/Judicial-Ethics-Advisory-Committee.  The Committee has requested candidates copy for personal use An Aid to Understanding Canon 7 and any other materials they may wish to bring with them to the forums.

Campaign managers and staff, voluntary bar association presidents, state and county political party chairs, representatives of the print and broadcast media, as well as members of the general public are welcome to attend.  Electronic registration for the webinar is located here.

Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to participate in the campaign conduct forums may contact Kabria Mullins, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee  32399, 850-922-5109, [email protected], as far in advance of the forums as possible, preferably allowing at least five working days to make necessary arrangements.  Persons using a TDD may contact Kabria Mullins through the Florida Relay Service, 711.

LOCATIONS

• Jacksonville, May 2, Duval County Courthouse, Chief Judges’ Chambers – Room 7139, 501 W. Adams Street.

• Tallahassee, May 2, Leon County Courthouse, 301 South Monroe Street.

• Ft. Lauderdale, May 3, Broward County Judicial Complex, Courtroom 17-150, 201 SE Sixth Street.

• Orlando, May 3, Orange County Courthouse, 425 North Orange Avenue, Suite 2310 (Gene Medina Conference Room)

• Tampa, May 3, George Edgecomb County Courthouse, 800 East Twiggs Street, Judicial Conference Room – Sixth Floor.

• Zoom, Statewide.