• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

  • Featured
  • Leaders
  • Government
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Opinion
You are here: Home / Government / Juror Sanctions Passes Unanimously on Senate Floor

Juror Sanctions Passes Unanimously on Senate Floor

Posted on March 3, 2020

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Bobby Powell, Jr. (D-West Palm Beach), SB 1590 Juror Sanctions, which would curb heavy-handed judicial punishment on citizens who fail to appear for jury duty unanimously passed the Florida Senate on Tuesday.

“I am extremely proud of this legislation and the bipartisan effort to get it to this point,” said Senator Powell. “I applaud the Florida Senate for its unanimous endorsement, and the message it sent today about delivering fair justice.”

Senator Powell’s legislation would amend current Florida statute to mirror federal law regarding sanctions for missing jury duty.  SB1590 would limit such punishment to any combination of the following sanctions: a fine not to exceed $1,000, a term of imprisonment not to exceed 3 days, and an order to perform community service.

The bill was filed in response to the harsh 10-day imprisonment sentence imposed last year on Deandre Somerville, a 21-year old who was found in contempt of court for oversleeping, and missing his jury duty appearance. Somerville was also sentenced to one year probation, 150 hours of community service, and $223 fine, even after apologizing to the court.

The House companion legislation continues to await action in that chamber.

Share this article! Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Filed Under: Government Tagged With: Florida Senate, Juror Sanctions

Primary Sidebar

    Submit News    

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Comprehensive Legal Reforms into Law

Governor Ron DeSantis today signed House Bill (HB) 837, Civil Remedies … [Read More...] about Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Comprehensive Legal Reforms into Law

Governor DeSantis Announces Florida Adds 34,000 Private Sector Jobs, Unemployment Rate Remains at a Low 2.6 Percent While the National Rate Increases

Florida’s Unemployment Rate Remains Lower Than the Nation for 28th Consecutive Month, Private Sector Jobs … [Read More...] about Governor DeSantis Announces Florida Adds 34,000 Private Sector Jobs, Unemployment Rate Remains at a Low 2.6 Percent While the National Rate Increases

4,500 Teachers Earn the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement and Receive $3,000 Bonuses

Governor Ron DeSantis today highlighted Florida’s continued commitment to expanding civics education in … [Read More...] about 4,500 Teachers Earn the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement and Receive $3,000 Bonuses

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Newsletter signup

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a brief recap of the week's most popular stories.

Footer

News

  • Featured
  • Leaders
  • Government
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Opinion

About Us 

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021
Terms & Conditions

© Copyright 2023 Capital Soup · All Rights Reserved ·