PROSECUTOR SUSPENSION PART 2 In another legal action concerning the suspension of Monique Worrel, the Florida Supreme Court, on a 7-1 vote, ruled that the Governor had the authority to remove her for incompetence and neglect of duty. Ms. Worrel has filed the necessary paperwork to run in the upcoming election to regain her seat.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE A federal judge has ordered a concert producer and promoter to pay $750,000 to the entity that owns the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. The band won a summary judgment ruling that found the defendants infringed upon the legendary group’s trademarks by organizing concerts featuring their music and name.
MIRANDA RIGHTS The Florida Supreme Court has reversed a 2018 ruling regarding Miranda rights notification to arrested individuals. Previously, each time a suspect speaks to an investigator, the suspect must first be reminded of his/her rights. The new ruling only requires the rights be advised during the first interrogation.
CHARTER SCHOOL RULING In a first of its kind ruling, a Florida District Court three-judge panel declared that Florida’s charter schools are a “state” agency, rather than a “county” agency. The ruling is critical as the requirements to bring lawsuits differ between the two, with the state being more restrictive.
CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE A Tampa judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Florida officials challenging the federal government’s 2024 mandate that most children in low-income families were entitled to subsidized health insurance for at least a year, even if their parents stopped paying a small monthly premium. The judge ruled that his court did not have jurisdiction over the issue. Florida had dropped 22,576 children from its CHIP program since January for not paying premiums, in violation of the federal law, which started the legal proceedings.