Perry
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has named James Perry to the state Supreme Court, replacing the retired Charles Wells.
Perry was appointed circuit judge for Brevard and Seminole Counties in 2000 and will be the fourth African-American to serve on Florida's highest court. Crist made the appointment Wednesday.
"Judge Perry's breadth of legal experience and civil rights record make him an ideal choice for this post," Crist said. "I trust he will have the courage to make decisions that preserve the integrity and equality of our justice system."
Perry served in the U.S. Army before graduating from Columbia University's law school in 1972. He was senior partner at Perry & Hicks before being appointed to the bench.
Wells retired March 2 and has taken an "of counsel" position with the firm GrayRobinson. Wells spent nearly 15 years as a Supreme Court justice.
Crist has appointed Ricky Polston and Charles Canady to the Supreme Court in the past year.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.