Exploring the Florida Constitution: A Scavenger Hunt
Dive into the Florida Constitution through a scavenger hunt exploring its provisions, the comparison with the U.S. Constitution, the role of the judicial branch, and the distinction between constitutions and statutes.
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Florida Courts Scavenger Hunt The Courts and the Constitution of the State of Florida
Defining the Constitution of the State of Florida The Florida Legislature website defines the Florida Constitution as an organized system of fundamental principles for the government of the state. It is of a permanent and general nature and originates from the people rather than from the Legislature.
Comparing Constitutions U.S. Constitution Sets up the structure of federal government Limits the powers of the government Bill of Rights Outlines two amendment processes Highest law in the United States Florida Constitution Sets up the structure of state government Limits the powers of the state government Declaration of Rights Outlines five amendment processes Highest state law in Florida
Provisions of the Florida Constitution Preamble Article I: Declaration of Rights Article II: General Provisions Article III: Legislature Article IV: Executive Article V: Judiciary Article VI: Suffrage and Elections Article VII: Finance and Taxation Article VIII: Local Government Article IX: Education Article X: Miscellaneous Article XI: Amendments Article XII: Schedule
Constitutions v. Statutes What is the difference between a constitution and a statute?
The hunt is on! Using the Constitution of the State of Florida, work in teams to find the answer to the question in each category. Be sure to cite where the answer is found!
THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION QUALIFICATIONS OF JUDGES RETIREMENT THE JUDICIAL BRANCH JURISDICTION JUDICIAL BEHAVIOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICES JUDICIAL SALARIES JUDICIAL DUTIES THE COURTS FINAL EXAM
The Florida Constitution What Article in the Florida Constitution establishes the judicial branch?
ANSWER: Article V of the Florida Constitution Return to the map
Judicial Duties In addition to their judicial duties, judges and justices can: A. Practice law part-time B. Hold office in a political party C. Serve as corporate counsel D. All of the above E. A and C only F. None of the above
ANSWER: F. None of the above. Article V Section 13 Return to the map
Judicial Salaries Identify the branch of government responsible for determining the salaries of judges. Executive Branch Judicial Branch Legislative Branch
ANSWER: The Legislative Branch All justices and judges shall be compensated only by state salaries fixed by general law. Article V Section 14(a) Return to the map
The Courts The Florida Constitution established four levels of courts in Florida. These include county courts and circuit courts as well as two others. Name the two other levels of courts in Florida.
ANSWER: The Florida Supreme Court and the District Courts of Appeal. FL Supreme Court District Courts of Appeal Circuit Courts Article V Section 1 County Courts Return to the map
Retirement According to the Florida Constitution, what is the mandatory retirement age for judges in Florida?
ANSWER: :No justice or judge shall serve after attaining the age of seventy-five years except upon temporary assignment. See Article V Section 8 Return to the map
Discipline Who investigates and recommends to the Florida Supreme Court the removal from office or discipline of any judge? A. The Governor B. The Chief Justice C. The Judicial Qualifications Commission D. The Judicial Nominating Commission
ANSWER: C. The Judicial Qualifications Commission Article V Section 12 Return to the map
Jurisdiction Which court hears appeals from final judgments of trial courts imposing the death penalty? A. Circuit Court B. District Courts of Appeal C. Florida Supreme Court
ANSWER: C. The Florida Supreme Court Article V Section 3b(1) Return to the map
What do you think? Who divides the state into appellate districts and judicial circuits?
ANSWER: The Legislature divides the state into appellate districts and judicial circuits. Article V Section 1 Return to the map
Supreme Court Justices How does the Florida Constitution ensure that justices on the Supreme Court come from different areas of the state?
ANSWER: Article V Section 3 (a) provides geographic requirements. Bonus! What are the requirements? Return to the map
Qualifications of Judges According to the Florida Constitution, how many years must an attorney have been a member of The Florida Bar to be eligible to serve as a circuit judge? A Supreme Court justice?
ANSWER: Article V Section 8 of the Florida Constitution states that no person is eligible for the office of circuit judge unless the person is, and has been for the preceding five years, a member of the Bar of Florida. The office of Supreme Court justice, ten years. Return to the map
Choose your Final Exam Question: FINAL EXAM 1 FINAL EXAM 2
Final Exam When a justice or judge qualifies for retention, the ballot shall read substantially as follows: Shall Justice (or Judge) (name of justice or judge) of the (name of the court) be retained in office? If a majority of the qualified electors voting within the territorial jurisdiction of the court vote to retain, the justice or judge shall be retained for a term of _______ years.
ANSWER: Six (6) Article V Section 10 (a) Return to the final exam
Final Exam Who has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the admission of persons to the practice of law and the discipline of persons admitted? A. The Florida Bar B. The Legislature C. The Florida Supreme Court D. The Governor
ANSWER: The Supreme Court of Florida Article V Section 15 Return to the final exam
Well done! You did a GREAT JOB!!!
