The Florida Supreme Court Historical Society and
The Appellate Court Committee of the Dade County Bar Association
Cordially Invites to meet the author at these Miami book signing events for
The Supreme Court of Florida:
A Journey Toward Justice, 1972-1987
We are delighted to have book's author and noted reporter, Neil Skene in Miami at two locations to discuss his new book, THE SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA: A Journey Toward Justice, 1972–1987.
Wednesday October 25th - 5:30pm
White & Case in Downtown Miami
Thursday October 26th - 5:00pm
Books & Books in Coral Gables
On Wednesday October 25th in Downtown Miami, Justice Raoul G. Cantero of White & Case warmly welcomes you to attend a reception and book signing with Neil Skene,
Skene is well known throughout Florida as the St. Petersburg Times capital bureau chief in the 1980s and as a Florida Trend columnist in the mid-2000s, has written a colorful, entertaining, thoroughly researched account of the Florida Supreme Court in its most tumultuous period, 1972-1987.
He tells engaging stories behind what he calls “the reformation” of Florida’s court system and judicial selection in the 1970s, including the appointment of the first black justice, Joseph Hatchett, and the first female justice, Rosemary Barkett.
Neil goes on to describe landmark court decisions that changed media law, personal injury law, and family and divorce law; privacy rights; gay rights; growth management, and death penalty cases; Shining a light on the often-invisible work that informs the law, Neil includes the lawyers and lower-court judges whose arguments and opinions shaped the court’s rulings. He integrates firsthand stories from justices with documents, articles, and cases. He even reveals material from confidential vote sheets and draft opinions to give new perspective to important cases. The result is an absorbing portrayal of the court and it’s “Journey Toward Justice. “
Jon Mills, the former House speaker and law school dean, says the book “makes historical figures come alive” and is “necessary reading for anyone interested in law and politics in Florida.”
This third volume in the history of the Florida Supreme Court describes the court during its most tumultuous years. Amid the upheaval of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and Watergate, the story begins with reform in the Florida court system. Governor Reubin Askew’s new system for merit selection of justices; and revision of Article V, the section of the state constitution dealing with the judiciary.
Neil Skene details landmark court decisions; the introduction of cameras in court; changes to media law, personal injury law, and family and divorce law; privacy rights; gay rights and the death penalty cases. Shining a light on the often invisible work that informs the law, Skene recognizes lawyers and lower-court judges whose arguments and opinions have shaped court rulings. He integrates firsthand stories from justices with documents, articles, and cases. The result is an absorbing portrayal of a judicial institution adapting to a turbulent time of deep political and social change.
Neil brought to this book a long perspective on Florida government and history. He has interviewed every governor of Florida beginning with Claude Kirk up through Charlie Crist and every justice who has served since 1978. He lived for 12 years in Washington, where he was editor and president of Congressional Quarterly. After his return to Tallahassee in 1999, he has been a management consultant and coached the Florida State University college mock trial team to a national championship in 2013. He now is senior deputy director at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago.
If you would like your copy of THE SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA: A Journey Toward Justice, 1972–1987.the are not able attend either of these events, the book is available online at www.FLCourtHistory.org/Books
10/25 Downtown Event Details
Wednesday, October 25th at 5:30pm to 7:00pm
White & Case LLP
200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 4900
Miami, FL Map & Directions
RSVP appreciated to confirm you are
attending the 10/25 event by
email RSVP@flcourthistory.org or call 850-385-3098
10/25 Downtown Event Details
Thursday, October 26th at 5:00pm
Books & Books
265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL
Map & Direction