In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis suspended state attorney Monique Worrell for neglecting her duty, sparking a legal challenge to his authority.
The Supreme Court of Florida recently upheld the governor’s suspension of Worrell, who served as the state attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit in metro Orlando. The court’s ruling affirmed the grounds for her suspension, citing neglect of duty and incompetence.
Worrell, a Democrat, denounced the suspension as a “political hit job,” while the Florida Democratic Party criticized the governor for going too far. The removal raised concerns about the governor’s suspension powers and the role of prosecutorial discretion in the justice system.
The court’s decision, issued in response to Worrell’s petition challenging the governor’s executive order, detailed specific allegations against her. These included failing to prosecute criminal cases effectively, allowing violent criminals to escape consequences, and hindering prosecutors in seeking appropriate sentencing enhancements.
Despite the controversy surrounding her suspension, Worrell garnered significant support from fellow Democrats, who criticized the ruling as a perversion of justice and a threat to democracy.
The court’s opinion included both concurring and dissenting views, with Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz and several others concurring with the ruling. Justice Jorge Labarga dissented, arguing that the allegations lacked specificity for Worrell to defend herself adequately.
Worrell, who was elected with a strong majority in 2020, faced backlash for her handling of criminal cases, leading to her suspension by Governor DeSantis.
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