Florida Assessment

Florida: An Assessment of Access to Counsel and Quality of Representation in Delinquency Proceedings (Fall 2006)

In Florida, like in many states where NJDC has conducted statewide assessments, advocates have been able to use the Assessment as a road map for substantive reform aimed at eliminating barriers that inhibit access to and quality of defense counsel. Since 2006, over 20 amendments to the Florida Juvenile Rules have passed or are pending.

Summaries and Press Releases:

Florida Press Release

Florida Supreme Court’s opinion prohibiting the blanket use of shackling in juvenile court (December 17, 2006)

News Coverage:

• Florida Supreme Court limits use of shackles on juvenile defendants
  The Sun-Sentinel
  December 17, 2006

• Florida Supreme Court limits ‘degrading’ shackles for juveniles
  The Miami Herald
  December 17, 2006

• Florida Supreme Court justices unshackle juvenile defendants
  The Jacksonville News
  December 18, 2006

• Representation Lacking for Kids in Juvenile Court
  The Florida Bar News
  November 15, 2006

• Florida’s Juvenile Justice Systems Needs to Be Tough – And Fair
  The Tampa Tribune
  October 31, 2006

• Badge of Shame
  The Tallahassee Democrat
  October 27, 2006

• Legal defenses deficient for Florida kids, report claims
  The Miami Herald
  October 23, 2006

• Study shows state provides poor defense for juvenile defendants
  Palm Beach Post (AP Report)
  October 23, 2006

• WMNF Evening News at 21:05 into the hour
  WMNF 88.5 FM Radio
  October 23, 2006

• Study finds juvenile defense system flaws
  The Tampa Tribune
  October 24, 2006

• Study faults juvenile courts
  The Orlando Sentinel
  October 24, 2006