Letters.

Doctors of Law

I am the proud holder of a document issued by the University of Miami on May 25, 1980, that reads, and I quote: "University of Miami, upon the recommendation of the faculty, has conferred on Luis Lucas Fernandez the degree of Juris Doctor with all the rights, honors and privileges thereunto appertaining."

The document is signed, sealed, and delivered by Henry King Stanford as president of the University of Miami, and Soia Mentschikoff as dean of the School of Law. I would be most grateful if you would kindly advise me and all Juris Doctors who have received such a degree from the University of Miami what precisely is the meaning of "all the rights, honors and privileges thereunto appertaining."

Am I a Juris Doctor, a Doctor, or none of the above?

At least one member of The Florida Bar has expressed the opinion that the use of the "Dr." designation by Juris Doctor degree-holders may constitute a criminal violation of Florida Statutes. Incredibly, such a statement has sparked a lively debate. What a waste of time!

Can I be subjected to criminal penalties under applicable Florida law if I use the "Dr." designation as awarded to me upon the recommendation of the faculty of the University of Miami under the signature of its president and of the dean of the School of Law and under the seal of the university?

I think the University of Miami School of Law must express an opinion on this issue. Please advise. I would not know what to tell my 9-year-old daughter as I am being taken away to jail all "cuffed up" for misrepresenting my academic credentials. Or, did the University of Miami School of Law deceive me, and kept the deceit hidden from me for over 20 years?

Is I a Dr. or ain't I? What a waste of time! Dear brethren lawyers, please, don't be ridiculous. Do grow up.

Luis Lucas Fernandez

Miami

Teaching English

Many constructive ideas seem to have been ignored by the leadership of The Florida Bar for many years. It is time that we constantly start passing ideas along to them and pray that they will respond by at least considering them.

The people of the state of Florida approved a constitutional amendment in 1988 that reads as follows:

Section 9.

1. English is the official language of the state of Florida.

2. The legislature shall have the power to enforce this section by appropriate legislation.

The Florida Bar has urged the...