I am writing to thank Havana-area residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season. Generosity throughout contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected over 9.3 million shoebox gifts in…
Question: ” Judge Smith, what is criminal contempt of Court? How often does it happen? What punishment does it carry?” – Zach Suppose you are a public-school teacher presenting an essential lesson to a classroom of 30 students. Suddenly, one student becomes loud and disruptive, distracting the other 29 students, who can no longer hear…
Question: “Judge Smith, what advice can you give about cross-examining witnesses?” – Tate I have spent thousands of hours trying to master the art of cross-examination, and I’m still learning. Let me give you a shortened version of what I teach to law students. The purpose of a discovery deposition is to learn what the…
Question: “Judge Smith, how many hours a week do you work?” – Lyla It depends. I directly control the number of hearings and trials I set each week. I have no control over new case assignments, same-day emergency hearings, and same-day filers. I am more familiar with my last docket, so I’ll answer your question…
Winter has finally made an appearance in North Florida! When it gets this chilly outside, there are a number of actions to take in order to keep your family, friends, pets, and plants safe. Here are four of them. Bring your pets inside These cool temperatures are harmful to people and animals alike if not…
Economic Equilibrium is the goal, but how do we get there? We (the legislature) passed a bill addressing the property insurance market because the market needs correction. Florida consumers are experiencing non-renewals and insurance premium hikes because of natural disasters, litigation, and insurance companies going out of business or deciding to no longer do business…
