Name: Woody Clermont
Date and place of birth: June 2, 1970, Brooklyn, New York
Office sought: Broward County Court Judge, Group 10
Campaign website: https://woodyforjudge.com/
List in reverse chronological order each college, university and law school and indicate years of attendance.
Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota (Fall 2018-Spring 2020) – Awarded Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah (March 2019-August 2020) – Awarded Master of Science, Data Analytics.
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah (September 2017-August 2018) – Awarded Bachelor of Science, Business – Information Technology Management.
University of the People, Pasadena, California (November 2014-January 2018) – Awarded Associate of Science, Computer Science.
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida (Fall 2011-Fall of 2014) – Awarded Double Master’s Degrees. Master of Business Administration. Master of Science in Economics.
Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, New York (2003-2005) – Awarded Associate of Science in Science, Math, and Technology.
University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida (Fall 1995-1998, Fall 2001-Fall 2002) – Awarded Juris Doctor.
Binghamton University, Vestal, New York (Fall 1988-Fall 1992) – Awarded Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
My Academic Honors, Awards, and Achievements are listed below:
• Elected to ΔΕΙ (Delta Epsilon Iota), Academic Honor Society, FAU Chapter, September 2014. Charter Member.
• Elected to ΟΔΕ (Omicron Delta Epsilon), The International Honor Society in Economics, Epsilon Chapter, February 3, 2014.
• Elected to ΦθΚ (Phi Theta Kappa) Honor Society, Alpha Delta Rho Chapter, November 14, 2012.
• Won First Place in the First Year (1L) Moot Court Competition, with partner Gerald Chen- Young, for arguments in Juan Ortiz v. American Protection Co., University of Miami School of Law in the Spring Term of 1996 right after completing the Legal Research and Writing II course.
• The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement, Mayville State University Chapter, 2020-2021.
• Western Governors University, “Programming in Python Excellence Award”, presented for Exemplary work in the Python Programming Task.
PROFESSIONAL
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Assistant City Attorney II / Municipal Prosecutor City of Miami Beach, May 2022 to Present
Medicaid Fair Hearing Officer, Agency for Health Care Administration Oct 2021-Apr 2022
Commission Aide and Legislative Director to Commissioner Kionne McGhee, (former House Minority Leader 2018-2020)
Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, Nov 2020-Sept 2021
Senior Trial Court Staff Attorney / Senior Law Clerk, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, Jan 2010 to Nov 2020
Divisions
• Appellate Division – 1/2010-12/2010 (12 months).
• Family and Probate Division – 1/2011 to 2/2011; 1/2013 to 11/2013 (12 months).
• Criminal Division – 3/2011 to 12/2012 (22 months).
• Complex Business Litigation Division – 11/2013 – 12/2014 (13 months).
• Appellate Division – 12/2014 – 11/2020 (59 months).
College Instructor (Instructor in Quantitative Methods, Statistics, and Economics), Miami-Dade College, Jun 2014 – Dec 2017
Employed with the School of Business at Wolfson Campus and North Campus.
Courses Taught
• Business Statistics (QMB 2100)
• Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECO 2013)
• Introduction to Microeconomics (ECO 2023)
College Instructor and Blackboard Consultant, Key College
Jun 2010 to Dec 2017
Courses Taught
• Administrative Law (PLA 2483)
• American Government (POS 1049)
• Contracts & the Uniform Commercial Code (PLA 1425)
• Criminal Law and Procedure (PLA 1303)
• Law Office Practices (PLA 2764)
• Legal Terminology (OST 2252)
• Property Law and Real Estate (PLA 2610)
Adjunct Faculty
Southern New Hampshire University
Nov 2011 to Dec 2014
Courses Taught
• Administrative Law (JUS 496)
• Criminal Law (JUS 375)
• Criminal Procedure (JUS 376)
• Juvenile Justice (JUS 331)
Assistant State Attorney
Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office (SAO11)
Mar 2005-Dec 2009
Leadership Positions Held
• County Training Attorney (2005)
• Assistant Chief of DUI and Traffic Prosecution (2006)
• Division Chief of Juvenile Division (2007 – 2008)
Titles
• C level Prosecutor (2006)
• Sexual Battery Prosecutor (2007 – 2008)
• B level Prosecutor (2008 – 2009)
• A level Prosecutor (2009)
Associate
Law Offices of William F. Souza
2004-2005
Previously served as 5-20 All Lines Insurance Adjuster for various rental car companies, insurers, and adjusting companies between 1994 and 2004
Work Honors:
• Going the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Award at Administrative Office of the Courts, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, November 2012. I was nominated by Chief Judge Bertila Soto. I worked with Judge Jacqueline Hogan Scola, Judge Stan Blake, and Judge Nushin Sayfie on Post-Conviction Cases (e.g., Rule 3.851, 3.852, etc.) which were under a Final Death Warrant of Execution signed by the Governor. See Pending Death Warrant Filings at https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/NewsMedia/Death-Warrant-Cases.
As a lawyer, judge, or both, what types of cases you have typically handled?
I have handled many different kinds of cases. As a state prosecutor in county court I prosecuted cases such as DUI, battery, trespass, theft, driving while license suspended, driving with no license, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana. As a state prosecutor in circuit court I prosecuted cases such as DWLS HTO, DWLS with death, LSA with serious bodily injury or death, DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter,
narcotics possessions, narcotics sales, narcotics trafficking, sexual battery, armed sexual battery, strongarm robbery, armed robbery, manslaughter, armed manslaughter, felony murder, second degree murder, kidnapping, armed kidnapping, L&L molestation, false imprisonment, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, etc. While working as a senior law clerk and Staff Attorney, I worked in different areas of the law. Sometimes I worked in criminal, and in particular I worked on death penalty, death warrants, and post-conviction motions, rule 3.850, 3.800, etc. While in complex business litigation cases, I worked on multiple plaintiff and multiple defendant complex civil cases. Some of those cases were class action cases where I had to review under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.220 for the judges whether the elements were met in terms of numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy. Also necessary for review would be whether factual matters would avoid inconsistent adjudications, whether the class was injunctive or declaratory in nature, and whether the common issues of law predominate over issues affecting individual class members to avoid the litigation devolving into a matter of mini-trials which would burden the class.
I worked on some family matters as a senior law clerk, the most prominent of which involved the case of Billie v. Stier, in which I advised the circuit court judge that it had jurisdiction under the Uniform Child Custody, Jurisdiction, and Enforcement Act (“UCCJEA”) after it conducted an evidentiary hearing and that based on the mother’s filing in the Tribal Court, that the Tribal Court decision stripping the father of his rights without proper notice, without a full fair hearing, and without a meaningful opportunity to be heard, did not substantially conform with the UCCJEA jurisdictional requirements. I did not follow the case in the press, but my coworkers alerted me the case was in the news. The mother who was a member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians sought a writ of prohibition with the Third District Court of Appeal, but the decision of the circuit court judge was found to be correct and the writ was denied. Billie v. Stier, Case No. 3D13-3180 (Fla. 3d DCA, Apr. 23, 2014). So, I would assume I gave proper advice.
I worked on regular civil matters as well, which could involve many causes of action such as material misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, promissory estoppel, unconscionable contract, unfair/deceptive acts, negligent supervision, unjust enrichment, replevin, civil theft, and so forth. I recall performing a lot of work on a particular a civil case which involved application of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), DDU Express, Inc. v. ABC Distributing, LLC. My original analysis of this case is contained in a memo at https://www.kappanuques.com/lawarticles/0007.pdf. The case involved four plaintiffs, and five defendants. The causes of action involved RICO (requiring enterprise, predicate acts, relationship, pattern, open-ended and closed-ended continuity, sufficient victims, sufficient schemes, privity, etc.), conspiracy to commit RICO, recission, fraud in the inducement, conspiracy to commit fraud, and so forth. I drafted an order for Judge Scott Silverman ruling on several numerous motions to dismiss brought by ABC Distributing, Michael Nunez, Victoria Ranger, David James Holt, and Luis Peleja. A copy of this order is on Westlaw, at 2010 WL 8742285 (Fla. 11 Cir. Ct., Jun 22, 2010). The order granted dismissal as to certain counts, and denied dismissal as to other counts, and allowed for the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint if they so choose. Judge Silverman indicated that it was quite the long order and asked me if it
was the right decision. I replied yes, and he signed it because he read it and trusted my work. Judge Silverman left the bench sometime thereafter and the successor judge just decided to vacate Judge Silverman’s prior order without warning, and just dismissed everything. The plaintiffs appealed, and the Third District Court of Appeal reversed and chided the new judge for failing to honor the prior judge’s “detailed and considered rulings.” Gemini Investors III, L.P. v.
Nunez, Case No. 3D10-2946 (Fla. 3d DCA Oct. 5, 2011) (“Here, the successor judge did not articulate any reason for revisiting Judge Silverman’s detailed and considered rulings.”) (emphasis added); 78 So. 3d 94 (Fla. 3d DCA 2012) (Third DCA withdrew the prior opinion and substituted this as a rehearing opinion where it changed the opinion language but still reversed the decision of the new judge holding that total dismissal of all causes of action was inappropriate).
If you are an attorney, how many cases have you tried in the past five years? Of those cases, how many were tried before juries to verdicts and how many were
tried before a judge?
I have not been trying cases in past five years before May 2022, which is when I joined the Miami Beach City Attorney’s Office. Since May 2022 of cases tried to verdicts, I have tried nine (9) bench trials (before judge) and one (1) jury trial.
If you are a judge, how many jury trials have you presided over that resulted in verdicts and judgments?
I am not a judge, so this is not applicable.
Have you been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details, including case style, jurisdiction and details of disposition.
• Miami Dade County, Jose Milton vs Woody Clermont, 1998-13447-CC-23, Complaint for breach of contract, Defendant, Final judgment $143. This matter is paid in full and resolved. Matter had been settled and judgment satisfied as of date of final judgment 9/14/98.
• Broward County, Woody Clermont vs Tiffany Clermont, FMCE01022055, Dissolution of marriage and child custody, Petitioner, I obtained default judgment against Tiffany Clermont, venue transferred to Miami Dade County.
• Miami Dade County, Woody Clermont vs Tiffany Clermont, 2003-003289-FC-04, Dissolution of marriage and child custody, Petitioner, Final judgment obtained based on marital settlement agreement and child custody agreement. No new activity on case since final judgment.
• New York City, Brooklyn, New York. Kings County, Rosana Clermont v. Marceau Clermont and Woody Clermont. Index No. 2013-16364. Defendant. Case has been dismissed, no further action pending.
Have you been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including adjudications of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates of conviction and terms of sentence.
No.
Have you ever been disciplined by the Florida Supreme Court as a result of a recommendation by the Florida Bar? If so, provide details.
No.
List three cases in which you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
(1) State of Florida v. David Montanez (Lead), Case # F06032644, 11th Jud Cir Ct. Charges: Second Degree Murder by Firearm. Significance: I began on the case second chair and worked my way up to first chair. At the time I took over the case, the key witnesses had been lost and forensic testing was incomplete. I located the key witnesses (including an illegal immigrant who was detained by ICE for deportation proceedings) and secured their attendance by writs of bodily attachment/material witness warrants. I perpetuated the testimony of the key witness who was an illegal immigrant prior to his ultimate deportation. State had filed notice of intent to seek enhanced penalty due to defendant’s numerous career criminal designations and I felt that my involvement prior to leaving the case, has strengthened the case to the point, that the case would be tried fairly on its merits despite its previous evidentiary problems. Another Assistant State Attorney inherited the case after I left the office, and took the case to trial with a Division Chief I had previously worked with, and convicted the defendant as charged for second-degree murder, assisted greatly by my efforts including the video of the perpetuated testimony I took from the main witness who was deceased at the time of trial. That prosecutor who tried the case is now himself a county court judge in Miami.
(2) State of Florida v. Harolsen Delisca (Co-counsel), Case # F08025041, 11th Jud Cir Ct. Charges: Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.
Significance: I found myself in a strange position, because the prior first chair, was dismissed (fired/terminated) by the State Attorney, seven days before trial. A strategic decision was made to not take a continuance. I recruited a Division Chief Assistant State Attorney who I never worked with before, to become the new First Chair. I worked night and day with the new First Chair, teaching him the case (which I had only learned a week prior) and pre-trying the witnesses. We went to trial as scheduled and the defendant was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison. I introduced a great deal of the evidence through physical evidence and testimony, while the first chair focused on the legal arguments and the closing arguments. This trial involved my first direct examination of a Deputy Chief Medical Examiner.
(3) State of Florida v. Scott Saint Jean, Case # F08022810A, 11th Jud Cir Ct. Charges: Armed Burglary, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement Officer.
Significance: Police-involved shooting case. I moved and entered roughly 50 exhibits into evidence, pre-tried nearly 28 witnesses and put on the testimony of well over 15 witnesses. The case was a great test of my ability to manage time and coordinate schedules as well as organize case presentation. This case demonstrated my mastery of jury selection, direct examinations and cross-examinations, and I spent a lot of time teaching the second chair, who was a new felony C level Assistant State Attorney. Because this was a police-involved shooting, the major detectives on the case were themselves homicide detectives. When I was in county court, I had served as the supervisor of the defense attorney (before he left the SAO), during my time as a County Training Attorney in the Jail Division. He had been a young ASA working in jails – so the trial involved some familiarity among counsel.
If you have provided any significant pro bono legal services in the past 10 years, please provide details.
As I have served as a public service employee/lawyer the entire 10 years, pro bono is not required during this time period.
List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations.
Cuban American Bar Association (CABA).
Haitian Lawyer Association (HLA).
Jamaican American Bar Association (JABA).
Gwen Cherry Black Women Bar Association.
Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association.
Broward County Bar Association.
National Bar Association, Virgil Hawkins Chapter.
T.J. Reddick Bar Association (served on Judicial Diversity Initiative committee 2022 and Elections committee 2022).
Caribbean Bar Association.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
International Lifetime Membership
Second District (NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD) Conference Lifetime Membership.
Seventh District (AL, FL, GA, MS) Conference Lifetime Membership.
Florida Statewide Organization Lifetime Membership
Sigma Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 2002-Present.
Kappa Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, February 29, 1992-Present. President (Basileus) of Kappa Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., November 2020-2023, Secretary (KRS),
November 2023-Present.
Federalist Society.
Heritage Alumni Group, Regis High School.
Hands On Broward, Volunteer.
United Way, Volunteer with MHPAT.
If you are or were an officer or director or engaged in management of any business enterprise other than a law practice, list its name and business activity, your duties and whether you intend to resign upon your election.
Arcana Arts, Inc. (online selling of products).
President Ophelema Teaching and Consulting (consulting as subject matter expert with clients on non-law matters), President.
I will resign both upon election.
PUBLIC OFFICE
Why are you running for this office?
The reality is, that I have applied numerous times to numerous judicial positions going through numerous judicial nominating commissions (JNCs) – see answers to the next question. I have not had any success through the political appointment process. Therefore, I am putting my faith in democracy, and taking my bid to become a judge to the People of Broward County. I believe that when the people review my credentials they will see how strong of a candidate I am, and why many tell me, “You have been ready for a long time, reality is just taking time to catch up to the truth.”
Ever since I was young, I have felt the call to one day serve my community as a judge. A bailiff named Gus one day, surprised me out of the blue, asking me to sit in a judge’s chair. I asked him why and he said, “Because I see you sitting in a similar chair one day, mark my words.” Another judge after I crafted a major order for her, told me out of the blue, “I would one day like to see you running for judge because you have it in you, and help in any way I can with your
campaign.” This judge was herself a county court judge, then circuit court judge, and now she is a judge with the Southern District of Florida, so I hold her opinion in high regard.
If you have sought appointment as a judge through a Judicial Nominating Commission, provide details, including year(s) and results.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Sixth District Court of Appeal (3d DCA), application submitted on April 16, 2024. Completed interview and process, not nominated.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Seventeenth Judicial Circuit (17th Jud. Cir.)., Dec. 15, 2023. Completed interview, not nominated.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Sixth District Court of Appeal (6th DCA), application submitted on July 11, 2023. Completed interview and process, not nominated.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Eleventh Judicial Circuit (11th Jud. Cir.). June 1, 2023. No interview scheduled due to recent applications. Not nominated.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Sixth District Court of Appeal (6th DCA), May 10, 2023. Interviewed by the JNC. Not nominated.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Seventeenth Judicial Circuit (17th Jud. Cir.). May 1, 2023. Interview before JNC was completed on 5/8/2023. Not nominated.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Florida Supreme Court. May 1, 2023. See https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/05/03/fl-supreme-court-vacancy-a-new-justice-will-join-a-conservative-bench-with-a-broad-agenda/?fbclid=IwAR1Evt0532wKiCB1D1s9admgPKijGaC_ftiW1KFfRyO5HHMBTlEwnZsmHUY. Interview was conducted on May 3, 2023. It was recorded on the Florida Channel, and is available at this URL for full viewing of my presentation and the JNC’s questioning:
https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/5-3-23-florida-supreme-court-judicial-nominating- commission/ (view from 56:30 onwards, it lasts 20 minutes). Did not make list of nominees.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Eleventh Judicial Circuit (11th Jud. Cir.). May 6, 2023. I was interviewed on May 10, 2023. No, name was not certified to the Governor’s Office, as of May 31, 2023, six nominees were named, and I did not make the list.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Eleventh Judicial Circuit (11th Jud. Cir.). June 14, 2021. No, name was not certified to the Governor’s Office.
• Judicial Nominating Commission Seventeenth Judicial Circuit (17th Jud. Cir.). March 9, 2010. No, name was not certified to the Governor’s Office for consideration.
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
The uniqueness of my background sets me apart from the rest.
Experience: With my background as an Assistant State Attorney, I have prosecuted cases and upheld the law within the judicial system, showing repeated committee to service to the public, contributing to the administration of justice. I have served in significant roles within government bodies, including my Commission Aide experience with the Board of County Commissioners under Commissioner Kionne McGhee (former House Minority Leader 2018-2020), where I played a pivotal role in recommending policy and governance. Additionally, I contributed my legal
acumen to the healthcare sector working with the Agency for Healthcare Administration, working as a Medicaid Fair Hearing Officer, where I adjudicated disputes and ensured fair treatment within the Medicaid system. I spent a decade as a Staff Attorney and Senior Law Clerk with the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of
Florida, where I worked with countless judges assisting them in matters of ethics, family, probate, complex business litigation, civil, criminal, and appellate law. Many of the judges I worked with, not only complimented my work, but likewise told me that they saw the path to a judgeship in my future, due to my skill in the law. Currently, I hold the position of Assistant City Attorney with Miami Beach, where I undoubtedly play a crucial role in working tirelessly on behalf of the city in the capacity of code enforcement, some civil litigation, appellate litigation, prosecuting municipal criminal ordinances, drafting legal documents, and navigating complex legal issues specific to the city.
Legal Publications:
I have published eight scholarly articles total. My articles were published in the (1) Florida Bar Journal twice; (2) St. Thomas Law Review; (3) Nova Law Review; (4) Pittsburgh Journal of Environmental and Public Health Law; (5) Freedom Center Journal at the University of Cincinnati College of Law; (6) Thomas M. Cooley Law Review; and (7) Appalachian Journal of Law. Canon 4 of the Code of Judicial Conduct provides that a judge is encouraged to engage in
activities to improve the law, the legal system and the administration of justice. Serving on Florida Bar Committees, teaching and writing are key activities to meeting this goal.
Teaching:
I have taught criminal justice courses at the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), and paralegal studies courses in numerous areas at Key College, a college in downtown Fort Lauderdale. I have also taught college-level economics and statistics at Miami-Dade College.
Education:
Alongside my professional accomplishments, I pursued a rigorous academic path, culminating in the attainment of my Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. My business degrees including master’s degrees in economics and data analytics, have not only equipped me with a unique understanding of scientific, mathematical, and economic reasoning in judicial decision making as well as the economic impact of certain legal decisions. My academic background has equipped me with a rigorous scientific methodology as well as the necessary legal knowledge and skills to excel in his various roles within the legal and governmental spheres.
Bar Committee Service:
My commitment to the legal profession is further evidenced by my involvement in bar committee service, where I collaborated with peers to uphold ethical standards, helped with the coordination of technology for practitioners and law firms, and promoted professional
development within the legal community. In summary, my career trajectory underscores my multifaceted expertise, spanning from my tenure as an Assistant State Attorney to his current role as an Assistant City Attorney, all of which reflect my dedication to legal excellence and public service. I believe that the totality of my experiences will allow me to bring a very unique experience to the bench. My experiences as a criminal prosecutor for nearly half a decade taught me a lot. My more than decade of experience as Assistant General Counsel as well as Staff Attorney allowed me to examine the inner workings of the judiciary and work with so many judges. My degrees in mathematics, economics, data science, computer science have served to enhance my knowledge all the more
particularly in the realm of business and commercial litigation. My knowledge of information technology helped me to continue to use cutting edge software within the law. My service as a Medicaid Fair Hearing Officer, allowed me to serve in a magistrate-like capacity to adjudicate motions, and conduct final hearings to determine facts, rule on the application of law, and resolve expert evidentiary issues. My time on the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Committee (RJA) was invaluable and as a 20-year attorney, I feel that I have the wisdom and temperament to make a great addition to the bench. Plus, if nothing else, my name is Woody. While this is my attempt at humor, I think Woody is a far more interesting name than Sam or Alex, having an interesting name ought to be
qualification.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a judge?
Canon 1 provides that a judge shall uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary. Canon 2 provides that a judge shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. Canon 3 provides that a judge shall perform the duties of office, impartially and diligently, and Canon 5 provides that a judge’s extrajudicial activities should be regulated to avoid conflict with a judge’s duties. I am very familiar with all of the canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct,
because during my time as a senior law clerk and Staff Attorney to more than thirty judges that I worked with, I provided them legal advice not only on the decisions they made in their courtroom, reviewing the evidence and the law with them, but I also answered numerous questions asked by them about whether certain activities would run afoul of the canons. On more than one occasion I had to review the opinions of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, to research unique factual scenarios, and to provide the best advice I could on decisions many judges would have to make. My unique time working with the judiciary, strongly prepared me for this kind of work. In addition, my time as a Medicaid Fair Hearing Officer, allowed me to review matters appealed
for jurisdiction, schedule hearings, request interpreters for claimants that did not speak English and conduct hearings using translation services, judge the credibility of witnesses, and make difficult decisions relying on evidence and the law. I had to write detailed orders making factual findings and legal conclusions, because every decision I issued could be appealed by each claimant to a higher court, the district court of appeal of the region the claimant lived in. Review
Florida Administrative Code Rule 59G-1.100 for the procedures of Medicaid Fair Hearings. All Final Orders had to be rendered within 90 days, findings of fact were based on a preponderance of the evidence, with a statement of the issues addressed, conclusions of law, and resolution of the issues. See Fla. Admin. Code R. 59G-1.100(18)(b)(“The Final Order shall be rendered within 90 days of the date of the request for a fair hearing, unless the time period is waived by the
recipient or extended by order of the Hearing Officer.”) & (d)(“The Final Order shall be in writing and shall include: a caption, specify the time and place of the fair hearing, list the parties and witnesses who appeared at the fair hearing, a statement of the issues addressed, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and, the resolution of the issues.”). I possess an understanding of justice with understanding, compassion, practicality, and fairness. I possess the proper judicial temperament, I am patient, and it is my belief, that as judge, I will ensure that everyone receives access to courts, proper notice, the ability to seek redress, to be properly heard and have the ability to present testimony and evidence, so that any person from any walk of life will be able to have his, her, or their day in court.
What are three major challenges facing the justice system in Broward County, Florida or the U.S.?
1. Funding. Trial courts are being funded with less and less which makes the administration of justice difficult. It is necessary to have a sufficient number of judges, support staff, tools and technology to administer justice efficiently.
2. Population Growth. As the population of Broward County begins to expand yearly, it becomes more and more difficult to handle these cases swiftly as a backlog of litigation and trials causes cases to linger far longer than they should. Additionally, some of the new population are non-English speaking immigrants, having the right interpreters is a challenge.
3. Health Hazards. The unexpected nature of coronavirus has made administering justice difficult, particularly when it comes to resolving cases and particularly jury trial cases. Moreover, we are not completely out of the woods, as sometimes there are variants and resurgences. Additionally, hurricanes can also cause safety concerns, as when Broward County is flooded, it is often not safe to make litigants and jurors travel through flooded roads. Although Zoom and teleconference technology help, they are not as useful in criminal cases where defendants insist on the right of physical confrontation of witnesses, or in jury trials, where it is important.