The legal battle between suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to unfold, even after Warren’s recent election loss.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is now questioning the relevance of the ongoing lawsuit, given Warren’s electoral defeat. The court has requested both parties to submit briefs addressing whether the case is moot.
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Warren was suspended by DeSantis in 2022 for alleged “incompetence and willful defiance of his duties.” The governor cited Warren’s stance on issues like abortion and transgender rights as reasons for the suspension. Warren challenged the suspension in federal court, arguing that it violated his First Amendment rights.
While a lower court initially ruled in favor of Warren, the 11th Circuit overturned the decision. However, the full appeals court has yet to issue a final ruling.
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The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the balance of power between state governors and elected officials, particularly in the context of First Amendment rights.
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