Ian S. Seitel, attorney, Ian Seitel P.A.
Last week: Florida has a new death penalty scheme signed into law this week. The statute requires at least 10 of the 12 jurors to recommend death before the ultimate sentence can be imposed. Before, a simple majority sufficed. This new law simply drags this vengeful state into the 20th century. Florida is still only one of three states that don't require a unanimous jury decision in favor of death. Costly death penalty litigation is far from over-let's bring Florida into the 21st century and end a sentence that is capricious, disproportionately unfair and has resulted in the conviction of innocent people.
Looking ahead: Gov. Scott is considering a new bill that provides judges with a mathematical formula in determining the amount and duration of alimony payments. This will eliminate some of the uncertainty that currently exists and will reduce costly litigation. In addition, the law eliminates permanent alimony, an obligation too onerous for one who is a victim of love.