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topicnews · October 16, 2024

Voters’ guide to the 2024 general election

Voters’ guide to the 2024 general election

District Judge Leon, 4th place

Type of race: Non-partisan

Who can vote?: All registered voters

What’s next: The winner of the Nov. 5 election will take over the bench on Jan. 7, beginning a six-year term.

How much does this position pay: $186,034

Mandatory retirement: Robert Churchill and Lashawn Riggans are vying for a vacant seat now filled by Judge Augustus “Gus” Aikens Jr., who faces mandatory retirement under Florida law. (The statutory retirement age was changed by voters from 70 to 75 in 2018.)

Work duties: In Florida, district judges hear misdemeanors, small claims, traffic violations, and disputes between landlords and tenants, among other things.

candidates

Robert Churchill

Age: 48

Profession: Consumer and small business protection attorney, founder and managing partner of Churchill Law Group, PLLC.

Qualifications: Litigator and business owner (18 years), Judicial Nominating Commission nominee (four times). Small Claims Rules Committee (6 years). Pro Bono Legal Service Award, 2020.

Website: churchillforjudge.com

What specific qualifications and experience make you the best candidate for this position?

I have owned and operated a consumer and small business law firm for 18 years. The weight and credibility of the court system largely depends on the experience of the judges. The judiciary’s focus is primarily on people with criminal law backgrounds or those serving in legal positions in government, and many have become judges with no experience other than criminal law or government work. Meanwhile, our local judiciary is underrepresented by individuals with experience as consumer or small business clients (mom and pop clients) or experience running a business. My experience complements the existing composition of the court.

What are your views on judicial transparency and accountability?

I support judicial transparency and accountability. Judges must be transparent so that their relationships, background and business dealings do not undermine the fairness of their judgments or the appearance of justice and decency. Judges are responsible for their inappropriate actions while in office or during election campaigns. We must avoid corruption or the appearance of impropriety, and avoid conduct that undermines justice or reflects negatively on the justice system. With this in mind, the important values ​​of transparency and accountability should not become a means of disciplining judges who make necessary but unpopular rulings.

LaShawn Riggans

Age: 56

Profession: Litigation lawyer

Qualifications: Practiced both criminal and civil law, handling cases in district court ranging from criminal cases to civil litigation to violations of law.

Website: riggans4judge.com

What specific qualifications and experience make you the best candidate for this position?

My legal experience covers various areas of law such as criminal and civil litigation, civil torts, contracts and law enforcement. I have extensive knowledge of the types of matters heard in district court, from civil disputes to violations of law to criminal offenses. I have practiced both criminal and civil law. I have also focused on serving the community in many ways. This includes mentoring students, volunteering with various charities and working with volunteer legal organizations. I am currently serving my second term on the Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee. Additionally, I am a proud military veteran.

What are your views on judicial transparency and accountability?

Judicial transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining trust in the legal system. I believe that judges should be held accountable for their actions and decisions. As a judge, your decisions and reasoning should be clearly explained. Transparency and accountability help ensure fairness and integrity in the judicial process, resulting in greater trust in the legal system. There must be equal access to a fair and impartial legal system.

Current and breaking news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

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