US Courts

James Hawkins v. State of Tennessee - Appeal Order

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed a lower court's order denying a motion to recuse the judge in the capital post-conviction proceeding for James Hawkins. The appeal concerned allegations of a conflict of interest due to a prosecutor's prior close relationship and subsequent adoption of the victim's daughter.

State of Tennessee v. Martha Jane Durocher - Reckless Endangerment Conviction Reversed

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals reversed and vacated the reckless endangerment conviction of Martha Jane Durocher. The court found insufficient evidence to establish that the defendant's conduct placed any person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, leading to the dismissal of the case.

State of Tennessee v. John Wayne Hamby - Rape Conviction Appeal Dismissed

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed an appeal filed by John Wayne Hamby, who was convicted of rape of a child and sentenced to forty years. The court found that Hamby's notice of appeal was untimely filed and that the interests of justice did not warrant waiving this procedural defect.

Judge Woody Clermont faces discipline for judicial misconduct

The Florida Supreme Court has accepted the Judicial Qualifications Commission's recommendation to impose a public reprimand on Broward County Judge Woody Clermont. The discipline stems from his admitted violation of judicial conduct canons by representing a friend in a criminal case, including negotiating with the prosecutor and offering character testimony.

Florida Supreme Court Amends Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.710

The Supreme Court of Florida has amended Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.710(b) concerning eligibility for mediation. The amendments exclude certain extraordinary writ matters and petitions filed under rule 9.100(c)(2) from the prohibition against referring them to appellate mediation, and a reference to habeas corpus has been deleted. The changes become effective July 1, 2026.

Michael L. King Death Sentence Appeal

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Michael L. King's conviction and death sentence for the 2008 murder of Denise Amber Lee. The court also denied King's motion for a stay of execution, with his execution scheduled for March 17, 2026.

Florida Supreme Court Corrects Opinion in Michael H. Hunt v. State

The Florida Supreme Court has issued a correction to its opinion in the case of Michael H. Hunt v. State of Florida. The correction involves a minor textual amendment on page 24 of the opinion, clarifying a reference to a previous Supreme Court holding.

Michael H. Hunt v. State of Florida - Murder Conviction and Death Sentence Affirmation

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Michael H. Hunt's first-degree murder conviction and death sentence. The Court reviewed six issues raised by the appellant and found no reversible error in the trial court's proceedings. The opinion details the factual background of the crime, including the events of April 4, 2019, and the evidence presented at trial.

Amends Rule 9.140 for criminal appeals after plea

The Florida Supreme Court has amended Rule 9.140 of the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure to clarify that defendants can appeal preserved sentencing errors after pleading guilty or nolo contendere. This amendment aims to resolve uncertainty identified by lower courts regarding the scope of such appeals.

Melvin Trotter death sentence affirmed, execution date set

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed the denial of Melvin Trotter's postconviction relief motion and denied his petition for a writ of habeas corpus and request for a stay of execution. Trotter's execution date is set for February 24, 2026.