Haridopolos contemplates court system changes.

Maybe Florida Supreme Court justices should deliberate in the Sunshine, like legislators do.

Maybe, like the U.S. Senate, the Florida Senate should confirm judicial candidates.

Maybe more everyday citizens should serve on the judicial nominating commissions.

Maybe the Legislature's proposed constitutional amendments should bypass judicial review and go straight to the voters.

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All of those ideas are worth debating, Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, told reporters during a press availability discussion on December 8 that touched on a lot of issues, including the budget, school reform, and state employee benefits.

A peek into Haridopolos's thoughts about the courts was sparked when a reporter asked his opinion about a speech House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, gave criticizing the courts for "judicial activism" after three proposed ballot measures approved by the Legislature were barred by the justices as unconstitutional.

"It's got to be frustrating when more than a super majority of elected officials place something on the ballot that one judge can throw off," Haridopolos said.

"I think [Cannon] has got a point. I'm open to some reforms in the courts. I hope it means more transparency and more Sunshine. For example, when [legislators] deliberate in committee, we do it in the Sunshine. Maybe Supreme Court judges should do their deliberations in the Sunshine. Maybe that's a good idea. Why not have the judges deliberate in the Sunshine? I don't think that's a radical idea."

Another idea Haridopolos floated was changing how judges are appointed.

"If you ask most Floridians out across the state and say, 'Who confirms judges?' they would probably say, 'The Senate does, right? That's how they do it in the U.S. Senate.' Um, no, we don't. Now, I wouldn't want to take away the voters' rights. They should have the final say on all judges. But maybe if we had Senate confirmation. Some people have complained about this JNC picking the people who the governor picks from. Maybe we expand the pool and make more everyday citizens into that pool. I don't know. It's a worthwhile discussion," Haridopolos said.

Asked if the Legislature's ideas for constitutional amendments should go straight to the ballot without judicial review, Haridopolos answered: "I think it's right to look at it. I respect the courts. It's a check and balance. Clearly, they are going to have a say. I'm sure you're going to see...