Gov. Scott Picks New State Supreme Court Justice
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) — For the first time since taking office in 2011, Governor Rick Scott has picked a new Supreme Court justice.
A state nominating panel whittled down possible selections to three finalists: Charles Alan Lawson, the chief judge for the 5th District Court of Appeal; Wendy Berger, a 5th DCA judge; and attorney Daniel Gerber.
Scott chose Lawson.
"Justice Lawson has gained incredible experience on issues ranging from civil law to appellate cases to adult drug court. His breadth of experience and knowledge of our state's judicial system is an asset that will undoubtedly benefit Florida's highest court," said Scott in a statement.
Lawson will replace Justice James E.C. Perry who is stepping down because he has reached mandatory retirement age. Perry was appointed to the court in 2009 by then-Gov. Charlie Crist.
Lawson, 55, has served on the Daytona Beach-based appellate court since 2006 and previously served as a circuit judge.
Perry was appointed to the court in 2009 by then-Gov. Charlie Crist.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
