Chief Justice Muñiz Talks About Civil Case Reforms

Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz speaking at the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society's annual dinner.

Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz has utilized recent speaking engagements to talk about the Court’s ongoing efforts to improve and expedite the resolution of civil cases. The Court has adopted a series of amendments to Florida’s court rules designed to promote fairness in the discovery process, prescribe meaningful deadlines for case progress, and require judges to actively manage cases from the outset. Muñiz said, “Our principal focus is on clients. The litigants themselves. The people whose duties and rights are at issue and who ultimately bear the burden of protracted litigation.”

At the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society’s annual dinner in Tallahassee on January 16, Muñiz said, “We think that the new rules will give better effect to the promise of the civil justice system, which, after all, is to… secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action.” Knowing that the reforms will be a major change for judges and attorneys, Muñiz noted that he and the other members of the Court are keenly aware that this endeavor will be an ongoing process. He added, “We will be studying things closely so we can continue to address anything that needs addressing, including any unintended consequences of our work.”

On January 17, Chief Justice Muñiz spoke to The Florida Bar Board of Governors and reiterated that there will likely be adjustments in the short term and that the effects of the new procedures warrant close attention and the willingness to make further adjustments as necessary.

On the need for additional resources to effectively implement the revised procedures, Muñiz drew attention to the Court’s recent certification of the need for 50 new judges throughout Florida, which includes 25 county court judges, 23 circuit court judges, and two judges for the Sixth District Court of Appeal. Additionally, he noted that the judicial branch’s current legislative budget request seeks to build capacity for due process needs such as court reporting and court interpreting and also requests funding for additional case managers and improved case management technology.

Muñiz said, “Hopefully, all of these changes together will help us make the case that the judicial branch is focused on serving the people, that we are trying to be efficient, and that when the Legislature invests in the branch, it… benefits the public.”