In this episode: Since taking total control of state government 25 years ago, Florida Republicans have systematically rolled back reforms that once kept state courts independent. It was a project launched by Jeb Bush, expanded by Rick Scott, and that has now culminated under Ron DeSantis with a Florida Supreme Court that is a rubber stamp for the governor and Legislature — and a roadblock for anyone who dares to challenge them. Learn more about how it happened from Martin Dyckman, a Florida journalist and historian whose investigative reporting once exposed Supreme Court corruption and spurred some of the very reforms that have been undone.

Show notes:

Read this Dyckman column in the Sun-Sentinel explaining some of the history and changes in more detail.

And if you want to do a truly deep dive into the subject, check out his book: A Most Disorderly Court: Scandal and Reform in the Florida Judiciary (and don’t forget his biographies of Govs. Reubin Askew and Leroy Collins, too).

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

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