The governor of Florida, Republican Ron DeSantis, announced today in Miami that he appointed Cuban-American judge Barbara Lagoa to fill one of the three vacancies in the Supreme Court of the state.
Lagoa, who will replace Judge Fred Lewis, who retires by age, is the first Hispanic woman to be a magistrate of the Florida Supreme Court, made up of seven magistrates with a term of six years, extendable.
“The commitment demonstrated by Lagoa to defend the rule of law, an unprecedented legal career and vast experience distinguish her among the most qualified people to serve in the highest court of our state,” DeSantis highlighted in the Freedom Tower of Miami
DeSantis, 40, a lawyer by profession, took over Tuesday as the new governor of the “Sunshine State” at a ceremony in Tallahassee, the state capital, and today made his first visit to Miami as governor.
The Republican manifested his “full confidence” in the “integrity” of the magistrate and in the “services he will render to the state.”
The one chosen by DeSantis resides in Hialeah, a city near Miami, she is licensed by the International University of Florida (FIU) and is currently a judge in an appeals court.
Lagoa was also trained at the Columbia University School of Law, where she also served as editor of the prestigious magazine Columbia Law Rewiew, and has worked for numerous and important law firms.
“I will only choose judges who understand the proper role of the courts in applying the laws and the Constitution as written,” the governor said.
DeSantis will have to choose two more candidates to fill the positions of Barbara Pariente and Peggy A. Quince, who, like Lewis, leave office by age. (EFEUSA) .-
