Meredith Sasso: As the November election approaches, Floridians are preparing to make important choices, including whether to retain two Florida Supreme Court Justices: Meredith Sasso and Renatha Francis. Both are on the ballot, and every voter will have a say on whether they stay in Florida’s highest court.
What Is Merit Retention?
Florida’s merit retention process allows voters to decide if a justice should remain on the bench for another six years. This “yes” or “no” vote is a unique aspect of the state’s judicial system, offering a check on judicial appointments without the political campaigning associated with standard elections. This year, two Supreme Court Justices, Meredith Sasso and Renatha Francis, await the voters’ decisions.
Meet Justice Meredith Sasso
Justice Meredith Sasso, age 41, has a background in both private and public sectors, which has shaped her judicial philosophy. Raised in Tallahassee, Sasso graduated from the University of Florida in 2005 and earned her law degree from the same institution in 2008. Her early career focused on representing clients in high-stakes cases involving complex commercial litigation, auto negligence, and large liability claims. She also served as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children who faced abuse or neglect.
In 2016, she entered public service under then-Governor Rick Scott as Chief Deputy General Counsel, representing the governor’s office in high-profile cases at both state and federal levels. She joined the Florida Supreme Court in May 2023, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, and is one of five justices appointed by the current governor.
Notable Judicial Decisions by Justice Sasso
In recent cases, Sasso’s decisions have reflected her stance on key legal issues in Florida:
Abortion Law: In Planned Parenthood v. State, Sasso was part of the majority upholding Florida’s 15-week abortion ban, aligning with a more restrictive interpretation of reproductive rights.
Recreational Marijuana: Sasso dissented from the majority on Amendment 3, which proposes legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, indicating a cautious approach to such changes in law.
Protests and Executive Power: Sasso supported Governor DeSantis’ authority in enforcing a 2021 anti-riot law but also ruled to protect peaceful protesters, striking a balance between public order and civil rights.
What to Expect on Election Day
Florida voters have until November 5 to cast their vote on the merit retention of Sasso and Francis. Early voting ends on November 2 in most counties, though some may offer extended days.
If retained, Sasso’s next term will continue for six years, ensuring that her influence on Florida’s judicial landscape remains significant. Florida’s Supreme Court will continue to rule on some of the state’s most pressing issues, including death penalty appeals, constitutional amendments, and complex civil rights cases.
The decision to retain or remove justices like Sasso carries long-term implications for Florida’s legal environment. Judicial decisions impact Floridians’ daily lives, from voting rights to civil liberties. Sasso’s record shows a commitment to legal stability and conservative values, which may resonate with voters seeking continuity on the bench.
