A criminal justice system dominated by plea bargains gives Florida prosecutors and public defenders tremendous power -- and Republican Senator Greg Steube of Sarasota wants to do something about it.
State attorneys and public defenders serving Florida’s 20 judicial circuits are elected. But unlike governors, Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices and judges, the House has no power to impeach them.
Steube is pushing a constitutional amendment that would add state attorneys and public defenders to the list. Under the Florida Constitution, the House has the power to impeach officials for what it calls misdemeanors. Then the Senate conducts a trial, with the Supreme Court Chief Justice presiding.
If Steube’s measure passes the Legislature, 60 percent of voters would have to approve it.
