All Rise!
Mar 27, 2023
Court is in session at Florida Southern College.
Three judges, making up the newly formed Sixth District Court of Appeal, took up residence in the Hollis Room on the campus of FSC at the beginning of March.
Last year the Florida Legislature passed a bill expanding the state’s network of appellate courts by establishing the Sixth District. That court began operation on January 1 out of rented office space off Main Street in Lakeland. That space proved insufficient to hold oral arguments, so the court struck a deal with Florida Southern to lease the Hollis Room until a new courthouse can be built.
The trio of judges holding court are Chief Judge Meredith Sasso, Judge John Stargel and Judge Mary Alice Nardella. The purpose of Florida’s District Courts of Appeal is to provide the opportunity for thoughtful review of decisions of lower tribunals by multi-judge panels. District Courts of Appeal correct harmful errors and ensure that decisions are consistent with our rights and liberties. This process contributes to the development, clarity, and consistency of the law.
Dr. Bruce Anderson, an Associate Professor of Political Science and the Dr. Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay Jr. Endowed Chair in American History, Government, and Civics, said that his students will most likely be taking the opportunity to experience the court’s dealings as part of their practicum.
“This is an unparalleled opportunity for our students to observe a critical element of the justice system at work … and of interest to not only pre-law students, but all who have an interest in our nation's governing,” said Dr. Anderson, who is also the Miller Distinguished Professor of Political Science at FSC.
The court’s proceedings are also open to the public. Hearings not only happen at Florida Southern, but also in Orlando at the Orange County Courthouse and at Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando. Court proceedings begin at 9 a.m. and go until 5 p.m.
To view the court’s calendar, visit here.
Dr. Anderson does not know if he will be able to have any of the three judges speak to his classes, but he recently had Chief Judge Ellen Masters of the 10th District Circuit Court on campus to share her experiences with his students.
The Sixth DCA oversees appeals of cases from the 10th Judicial Circuit, which comprises Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties, along with the Ninth Circuit (Orange and Osceola counties) and the 20th Circuit (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties).
The appellate court panels often take weeks or even months before issuing opinions after holding oral arguments. Video recordings of the court’s in-person sessions can be found on its YouTube channel.