Florida Commission on Mental Health issued its interim report calling for major changes in the accessibility and delivery of mental health services and changes to legislation affecting the criminal justice system's response to arrestees with mental illness. Hon. Ron Ficarrotta, Chief Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit serves on the Commission and discusses the recommendations.
A terminally ill Hillsborough County circuit court judge remained on the job, drawing a paycheck for years, even though he was no longer able to conduct hearings or issue rulings.
Since the start of the pandemic, judges have taken on a double duty, serving not only as jurists but also as amateur epidemiologists, public health policymakers and, occasionally, mask enforcers. The strain has taken a toll on the judiciary, one that's unlikely to let up anytime soon.