In a significant judicial appointment, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has selected Adam Tanenbaum, a judge from the First District Court of Appeal, to join the Florida Supreme Court. This appointment marks DeSantis’s sixth conservative addition to the seven-member court.
During the announcement at Seminole High School, Tanenbaum emphasized his commitment to the legal philosophy of “originalism,” a viewpoint that argues that the interpretation of a law should remain consistent over time. Tanenbaum stated, “Sometimes the circumstances require boldness to restore our jurisprudence to its historical roots.”
Tanenbaum replaces Charles Canady, who departed after a 17-year tenure to accept a position at the University of Florida. Tanenbaum, who previously served as general counsel for the Florida House of Representatives and worked within other state agencies, underscored his belief that judges should correct any “erroneous interpretation of the text.”
Among the pressing legal questions awaiting the Florida Supreme Court are deliberations on whether a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana for adults should appear on the ballot and if the statewide prosecutor’s office has jurisdiction over election-related crimes.
Governor DeSantis, prior to making the appointment, suggested that the Florida Supreme Court should take a more active role in overseeing the state’s legal profession. He referenced the Texas Supreme Court’s recent decision to eliminate the requirement for Texas law schools to be accredited by the American Bar Association. DeSantis commented, “I think that there’s room, you know, to be really, really bold.”
Florida Supreme Court justices can serve until the age of 75, at which point retirement is mandatory. However, they must undergo retention votes in the general election held more than a year after their appointment, and every six years thereafter, allowing voters to decide whether they should remain in office.
Stay informed by following news updates on the platform Bluesky: @mikeysid.bsky.social
