Press Releases
Governor Scott Appoints Martin Fitzpatrick to the Second Judicial Circuit Court
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Martin Fitzpatrick to the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit (consisting of Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon and Jefferson Counties).
Fitzpatrick, 44, of Tallahassee, has practiced with Broad and Cassel since 2001. From 1997-2001, he practiced with Sternstein, Rainer & Clarke, and from 1996-1997, he practiced with Smith, Hulsey & Busey. Fitzpatrick earned his bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and his law degree from Florida State University. He will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mark W. Walker, who was appointed to the Federal bench.
Governor Rick Scott said, "Marty Fitzpatrick is a great addition to our bench and he will become a distinguished judge. I am confident that he will ensure that all Floridians are treated fairly and respectfully."
April 18, 2013 You are cordially invited to attend our first Second Judicial Circuit Swearing-In Ceremony for the Courthouse Therapy Dogs...read more
The Constitutional Amendments Website is the latest in a series supported by The Florida Bar Foundation. more
Six former Florida justices speak up against GOP attempts to politicize judiciary: This November, the names of three Florida Supreme Court justices will be on every ballot in the state. Voters will decide whether they should be retained in office.
Under Florida's Constitution, appellate judges are not elected. Rather, judges and lawyers who aspire to serve on an appellate court are chosen through a serious and thorough selection process based on merit. They apply to a nine-member judicial nominating commission.
Read more here: Miami Herald
September 7,2012 | Florida Bar Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Judges in Merit Retention Elections: A poll of Florida Bar members regarding the retention of three justices and 15 appellate court judges indicates very strong support for all to be retained. The poll seeks to find whether attorneys who know the most about these jurists believe they should continue in their jobs. The retention election is Nov. 6. more
July 15,2012 | Yes Vote to Keep Justices is Critical to Preserve Democracy: On November 6, 2012, Floridians will make a choice that charts the future course of democracy and constitutional government in the state. Voters must decide whether to retain three Supreme Court Justices with a record of impartial decisions based on the law ... or to open the door to a power grab by politicians who want the Court to reflect their own ideological agenda.
Yet, because this issue is overshadowed by the Presidential and Congressional races, and the question is buried deep in the general election ballot, many Floridians may not understand what is at stake. Worse, millions may not even vote.
What is at stake is what is called "merit retention" of Supreme Court Justices, a system approved by Florida voters in 1976. After a rigorous vetting process, the names of potential Justices are submitted to the Governor by a nonpartisan Judicial Nominating Commission. Once appointed, Justices stand for merit retention on the state-wide ballot, in rotation, in general election years. more
July 12,2012 | Area Lawyers Rate Judicial Candidates: The Tallahassee Bar Association today released the results of a voluntary, confidential poll conducted of area lawyers, asking their professional opinion regarding the qualifications of candidates for judge in the upcoming primary election. Ballots were mailed on June 26, 2012, to all 3,267 Florida Bar members in good standing and who practice in the 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida (comprised of Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Wakulla, Franklin, and Liberty counties). By the receipt deadline of July 12, 2012, a total of 437 completed ballots were received by The Florida Bar, for a response rate of 13.4%. more
