Endorsement: Ashton, Jackson for circuit judgeships in Orange/Osceola

Hearings that drive knives into the hearts of families. Lawsuits where the fate of an entrepreneur’s beloved business hangs in the balance. Criminal cases where a defendant faces incarceration for years, maybe life — or death in Florida’s execution chamber. These are among the types of cases circuit judges preside over, toiling in one of the toughest, most demanding jobs state government has to offer.

Their work goes far beyond the intricacies of written statutes and case law or the never-ending tide of new cases that inundate the system every week. For litigants and defendants whose fates hang in the balance and for the public following high-profile cases, the person in the black robe is the human embodiment of justice, their hope of being heard and treated fairly.

In Florida, trial-court judges are elected (though some start their career after being appointed to fill a vacancy.) This year, voters in the 9th Judicial Circuit, which covers Orange and Osceola counties, could have had up to 14 circuit-judge races to decide. But only three sitting judges drew opponents. An open seat in Group 5 will also be on the ballot.

Fortunately, voters have solid choices in each race.

9th Judicial Circuit Group 5

This was one of the toughest picks for us. Two veteran attorneys are facing off for the open seat, and while their expertise diverges, both have decades of legal experience. Joy Goodyear has focused her 25-year career as an assistant public defender. LaShawnda Jackson is a partner and civil litigator at RumbergerKirk. Either background could be useful to a new judge — and we believe either would do a fine job if elected.

But Jackson’s history of leadership — in the community, as well as with legal organizations — gives her the edge. In 2020 she became the first Black president of the Orange County Bar Association, and she carries the endorsements of 25 other former presidents. She’s served on a judicial nominating commission, which vets candidates for vacant judgeships. She’s also racked up a massive record of community service, including mentoring girls detained in the juvenile system and serving on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando & Osceola County. These are only a few of the accomplishments she can claim.

Goodyear also has a record of community service, including coaching youth sports. And by sheer numbers alone, her trial experience outweighs Jackson’s.

It’s clear that both candidates have the background to understand how important efficiency can be to justice, and how critical a judge’s perceived impartiality can be. But Jackson’s leadership outside the courtroom puts her ahead, by a thin margin.

The Orlando Sentinel endorses LaShawnda Jackson for 9th Circuit judge, group 5.

9th Judicial Circuit Group 15

In this race, incumbent Circuit Judge Jeff Ashton — one of Central Florida’s most recognizable legal figures — faces two opponents. Neither has made the case that Ashton should be ousted, though he’s giving them every opportunity to reach out to voters — Ashton is not campaigning, fundraising or seeking endorsements (though he did participate in the Sentinel’s editorial board interview and has answered questions for the League of Women Voters’ VOTE411 site.). As one of the most well=known legal figures in this community, he might not need to.

Ashton was a well-known prosecutor, when he first came to national notice as the attorney who tried, and failed, to convict Casey Anthony of murdering her young daughter. After that spotlight faded, Ashton decided to run against Lawson Lamar for the position of 9th Circuit state attorney in 2008 and to the surprise of many, he defeated the longtime incumbent. He served just one term, then took a few years off before running for judge in 2018.

Here’s why Ashton has managed to stay in the spotlight for so long: He’s got a solid sense of how a courtroom should run. He’s not afraid of innovation but as a judge, has a reputation for holding attorneys to the rules. That’s critical in his highly difficult assignment, overseeing domestic violence cases. It’s a docket that builds on one of his greatest strengths as a prosecutor.

In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel’s editorial board, his opponents — attorney Alicia Peyton, who has 15 years’ experience in both criminal and civil law and has built a considerable campaign war chest; and Chris Mack, general counsel and director of legal administration for the clerk and Comptroller’s office in Osceola County — offered interesting ideas as to changes they’d like to see in the 9th circuit, including the addition of speciality courts. But Ashton knows how to do this job, and does it well. Voters should keep him on the bench.

The Orlando Sentinel endorses 9th Circuit Judge Jeff Ashton for re-election in Group 15.

We urge voters to not rely solely on our opinions in deciding how to cast a vote. Voters should check the candidates’ campaign websites and social media accounts (if they don’t have either, that should be a red flag). Ask friends and neighbors what they think. Google the candidates and check out their campaign finances. In addition, we’ve recorded our interviews and posted them in full at OrlandoSentinel.com/opinion .

Election endorsements are the opinion of the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, which consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Insight Editor Jay Reddick and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson.  Send emails to insight@orlandosentinel.com .