澳彩开奖 Statement on Florida Bill That Would Establish a More Diverse Judiciary
Florida State Sen. Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, filed this week that seeks to establish a more diverse judiciary in the state by reforming its judicial nomination process. The following statement is by Scott McCoy, senior policy counsel for the 澳彩开奖 Action Fund.
鈥淭he fundamental issue of fairness is at stake when our judges do not represent all Floridians. For the first time in almost four decades, there will not be one black judge on the Florida Supreme Court, which is supposed to safeguard equal protection and application of the laws.
鈥淲hen the faces on the state鈥檚 top court do not reflect the population, confidence in the judiciary is undermined. That is not good for our democracy or the rule of law.听
鈥淭his is especially troubling because we have a criminal justice system that is plagued by racial disparities: Half of the people incarcerated in Florida鈥檚 prison system are black, even though black people make up only 17 percent of the state鈥檚 total population.听
鈥淲e must act now to promote diverse representation, fairness and integrity among Florida鈥檚 judiciary, especially on the state鈥檚 highest court of justice.听
鈥淪en. Thurston鈥檚 SB 138 will help ensure that Floridians have the judiciary they expect and deserve 鈥� one that represents all Floridians.鈥�
听
