Celebrating the Old, Welcoming the New
Florida Supreme Court Historical Society
W
e are pleased to present our Winter 2023 issue of the Historical Review. In this issue, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Florida’s building on December 29, 2023. This issue includes a multitude of articles and historical photographs commemorating this special occasion. In addition, this issue includes articles on Justice Ricky Polston’s recent retirement from the Court and Justice Meredith Sasso’s subsequent appointment to the Court. Since our last issue, the Historical Review has experienced notable changes. Our Editor for many years, Melanie Kalmanson, has passed the torch to a new team. In her time as Editor, Melanie modernized the look and content of our magazine. We are extremely grateful for her profound and selfless contributions over the years to the Historical Review and to the Society. We have big shoes to fill. In that regard, we express our gratitude to the Society’s Publications Subcommittee, our Executive Director Mark Miller, and our new professional publication consultant, Rosanne Dunkelberger, for coming together to make this issue a reality. As with anything worth preserving and protecting, it takes the dedication of individuals to do the Society’s important work. In his book, "The Lost Lawyer," Dean Anthony Kronman quotes the philosopher Michael Oakeshott’s observation that: “[t]here is nothing to encourage us to believe that what has captured current fancy is the most valuable part of our inheritance, or that the better survives more readily than the worse. And nothing survives in this world which is not cared for by human beings.” Thanks to all who have cared for, and continue to care for, the Court and the Society.
Joseph H. Lang, Jr., Editor
THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT HISTORICAL REVIEW
WINTER 2023 EDITOR
Joseph H. Lang, Jr. EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE
Holly Brooks, Tim Chinaris, Mark Miller, Francine Walker DESIGN & LAYOUT
PUBLISHED BY THE
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Mark A. Miller, Executive Director 1947 Greenwood Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 www.flcourthistory.org • admin@flcourthistory.org The Florida Supreme Court Historical Society works to save and maintain for future generations the records of the people and events that have shaped the evolution of Florida’s court system from the early 1800s, through the 21st Century, and beyond. The Society is committed to making sure people understand the importance of a strong, independent judiciary in our governmental balance of power. The Society’s twofold mission is to (1) educate the public about the critically important work of the courts in protecting personal rights and freedoms, as well as in resolving the myriad of disputes that arise within the state, and (2) preserve the rich history of Florida’s judicial system. This publication has been sponsored by the members of the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society.
F L O R I DA S U P R E M E C O U RT H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y
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