Florida Sets Standards For Presiding Over Capital Cases

A recent post on a judicial discipline case from New York referenced a dissent that lamented the lack of minimum qualification standards for judges. Florida has just adopted a rule setting forth standards for judges who preside over capital cases. The rule applies to collateral attacks on capital convictions as well as trials. The judge must have at least six months experience presiding over felony cases and take a refresher course. (Mike Frisch)