Governor Ron DeSantis continued to reshape the state’s judicial system on Tuesday after he filled two vacancies on the Florida Supreme Court with a pair of South Floridians.
Making the announcement at a press conference in Miami, DeSantis named Miami attorney John Couriel and Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Renatha Francis to the state’s highest court.
“Since taking office, I’ve had the privilege to make five appointments to the Florida Supreme Court,” DeSantis said. “Four of those five appointments have come from South Florida.”
WATCH LIVE: Major announcement in Miami https://t.co/uS8UzYBWNi
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 26, 2020
Francis, 42, is a judge in Palm Beach and will become the first Caribbean-American justice on Florida’s Supreme Court. Couriel, 41, a lawyer and former U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor, is based in Miami and it highly touted in many conservative circles.
The Miami-Dade appointees will replace two other justices from South Florida — Barbara Lagoa and Robert Luck — who were selected to serve on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by President Donald Trump.
The appointments were praised by several Republican officials around the state.
Historic appointment by @GovRonDeSantis, today! He appointed Renatha Francis, the first Caribbean American to the Florida Supreme Court along with John Couriel, the son of Cuban immigrants. They will honor the rule of law and make great additions to our state’s highest court. pic.twitter.com/kELHGCSBHO
— Florida GOP (@FloridaGOP) May 26, 2020
Congratulations to John Couriel and Renatha Francis on their appointment to the Florida Supreme Court. I look forward to watching these justices continue the current Court’s respect for our constitution, rule of law and separation of powers.
— Chris Sprowls (@ChrisSprowls) May 26, 2020
Justices Francis and Couriel come to the bench with inspiring life stories that reflect a deep pride for the constitutional freedoms we cherish. I am confident both will respect the separation of powers and the limited role of the Judiciary contemplated in our Constitution. https://t.co/A7rPaDzEof
— Bill Galvano (@BillGalvano) May 26, 2020
Today’s move was also applauded by William Large, president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute.
“The Florida Justice Reform Institute applauds Governor DeSantis for his thoughtful and decisive leadership as he continues to reshape the Florida Supreme Court,” said Large.
What a breath of fresh air having a great governor is in a super state as long as he gets cooperated with have a win win … Now if the mini state could open their eyes and maybe learn to Not TAX the citizens so much that they move out of state !