MONDAY July 30, 2018
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Bass selected for 4th Circuit
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The Duval County Clerk of Courts archive has a collection of demonstrative charts that were entered into the record as evidence during trials.
Beth Fleet leads a three-person team in the Duval County Clerk of Courts office that stores, catalogs and maintains evidence used in concluded felony trials. BY MAX MARBUT ASSOCIATE EDITOR
W
hen you think about the Duval County Clerk of Courts, you probably think of it as the location where official records are executed and stored or where you go to apply for a marriage license, file a lawsuit or pay a traffic fine. Another, little known, service provided by the clerks’ office is the storage and preservation of evidence used in courtrooms. It can be as simple as a chart an attorney used to SEE EVIDENCE, PAGE 5
Photos by Max Marbut
Beth Fleet is senior manager for the Duval County Clerk of Courts evidence and records management department.
Gov. Scott makes appointment after 1st District Court of Appeal rules that he can fill the seat of retiring Judge Robert Foster. BY DAVID CAWTON STAFF WRITER
Gov. Rick Scott named Duval County Judge Lester Bass to fill an upcoming vacancy on the 4th Judicial Circuit Court. Scott’s announcement Thursday came hours after the 1st District Court of Appeal in Florida overturned a lower court’s ruling, allowing him to appoint a re p l a c e m e n t for Judge Rob- Bass ert Foster, who tendered his resignation April 2. “Throughout his career, Judge Bass has demonstrated a commitment to his community and to public service,” Scott said in a statement. “His service on the county court has reflected the values we should expect from the judiciary: integrity, a tireless work ethic, respect for the rule of law and an unwavering belief in equal justice under the law,” he said. Foster’s resignation is effective Dec. 31, one week before his term expires Jan. 7. That led to a legal challenge by a potential candidate for the seat, Jacksonville attorney David Trotti. Because Scott accepted Foster’s SEE BASS, PAGE 5
IN THE LAW
Darcy Galnor moved from journalism to law PAGE 12 VOLUME 105, NO. 179 • ONE SECTION