You Decide
Amendment 5: Florida lawmakers denied more control over courts
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Amendments roundup - You Decide 2012 Video by fox4now.com
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A Republican-sponsored proposal to give the GOP-dominated Legislature more control over Florida's court system has been defeated at the polls.
The vote Tuesday for Amendment 5 was only 44 percent in favor. All state constitutional amendments need at least 60 percent to pass.
Amendment 5 would have given the Senate authority to confirm or deny the appointment of Florida Supreme Court justices by the governor. It also would have made it easier for the Legislature to veto court rules.
The legal community was solidly against what critics called a power grab and threat to the judiciary's independence. GOP lawmakers contended it would make the courts more accountable.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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