MIAMI (AP) _ The Florida Legislature would gain greater authority over the state Supreme Court and the rules governing state courts if voters approve constitutional Amendment 5 on Nov. 6.
The proposal is pushed by the Republican Party and several conservative groups.
They say it would make the court more accountable.
The Florida Bar, trial lawyers’ groups and other opponents contend it’s a power grab and a blatant threat to the judicial independence.
If approved, Amendment 5 would take sole authority to appoint Supreme Court justices away from the governor and subject them to confirmation by the state Senate.
It would also allow the Legislature to repeal court rules with a simple majority vote, rather than the two-thirds vote now required.
It must get at least 60 percent approval to pass.
