Proposed Overhaul of Florida Supreme Court

The Republican majority in the Florida House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would ask the state's voters to approve splitting the state's Supreme Court. According to today's Miami Herald, the Florida court would split into two entities. One would hear civil cases; the other would consider criminal cases. In this scenario, a Democratic Party majority of justices would sit on the criminal side, while a Republican majority of black robes would sit on the civil side.

If you're a Republican, this arrangement is a bonanza, as legislative issues would be decided in this area. For redistricting and for legislative issues, this is where the action is and will be. It's important because the Sunshine State will be key in upcoming federal elections. A political party would want control of the judicial process, as Bush v. Gore aptly underlined.

It is unusual for a state Supreme Court to be a legislative or electoral issue. California is a notable exception to this assertion. However, Florida, with its considerable political peccadillos, seems to be joining the club.

Yes, there are some big stakes in play for both sides. Stay tuned, and expect more action from this political maneuvering.