Navigation Artificial intelligence is advancing at a lightning pace as Florida Bar leaders, acknowledging its power to enhance legal practice, are developing more guardrails to address the potential risks. “The committee recognizes the rapid development of AI and pledges to value the technology’s promise and concerns equally,” Board Technology Committee Chair Karl Klein assured the Board […]
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Judicial ethics panel affirms judge may review governmental databases in determining ‘No Bond Pending First Appearance’
A Florida judge may independently review one or more limited, reliable databases to obtain information about the accused’s current or prior criminal history or other status, which may be relevant to whether release prior to first appearance would be permitted. Acting August 12 in Opinion Number 2025-14, the JEAC said that individuals “meeting certain criteria […]
Governor fills an Eighth Circuit judicial vacancy
Judge Kristine Van Vorst Gov. Ron DeSantis on August 13 announced the appointment of Kristine Van Vorst of Gainesville to serve as judge on the Eighth Judicial Circuit bench. Van Vorst has served as a county court judge for Alachua County since 2017. Previously, she served as a general magistrate in the Eighth Circuit. She […]
Florida courts see $53 million boost in FY 2025-26 state budget
Sharp differences over taxes and spending cuts forced the 2025 session into overtime, but when the dust settled, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature had no qualms investing significant new resources in a state court system that is implementing landmark efficiencies. Still accounting for less than 1% of the $114.7 billion FY 2025-26 state budget, […]
There is still time to apply to sit on a JNC
The Florida Bar is now accepting applications to fill upcoming vacancies on 10 Judicial Nominating Commissions (JNCs), with a deadline of Friday, August 29. Qualified Bar members have the opportunity to be nominated for gubernatorial appointment to help shape the future of Florida’s judiciary. The Bar has the opportunity to nominate attorneys for vacancies on […]