Judicial term limits bill moves.

Saying Florida's appellate judges should approach their jobs as public service and not a career until retirement, Rep. John Wood, R-Winter Haven, is sponsoring a constitutional amendment that would create term limits for them.

Proposed committee substitute for HJR 197 passed 8-5 out of the House Civil Justice Subcommittee, its first committee stop, on November 3.

On the advice of Chair Kathleen Pas sidomo, R-Naples, the committee substitute makes clear it would not impact existing members of the judiciary and would not apply to trial judges, whom Passidomo called "elected and accountable to the public" and "really in the trenches."

Only if the proposal garners three-fifths of the vote in both the House and Senate, could it wind up on the ballot in 2016 for Florida voters to decide, and would then apply to appellate judges appointed by the governor after that date. The amendment would have the effect of limiting appellate judges to serve 13 to 15 years maximum, based upon what date they are appointed.

Rep. Dwight Dudley, D-St. Petersburg, an attorney, took the lead on questioning the purpose of the proposed constitutional amendment.

"What brought about the need for us tinkering with the judiciary and changing these terms that judges have presently to trying to term-limit them?" Dudley asked.

Wood, an attorney and Realtor, responded: "I think it's clear in our society the impact that the appellate judiciary has on our society. And I believe there are many qualified individuals who are willing to commit to the requirements of public service and serve as an appellate judge or Supreme Court justice.

"For me, the diversity of legal philosophy and the rule of law are the foundation of an effective judiciary. Term limits will enhance the proper role of the judiciary in our constitutional government," Wood said.

"Further, because there are term limits on the executive and legislative branches, adding a similar provision on our judicial branch creates a true balance of power, giving the people of Florida the liberty that our forefathers intended."

Dudley pressed on: "So, you mention 1 the proper role, that this will improve the proper role of judges. What impropriety can you point to in the existing system of our judiciary where this is necessary?"

Wood responded: "I reject the premise of your question that there needs to be something wrong to introduce something to make something better. I think my first answer to your question laid out clearly my...

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