James E.C. Perry
Encyclopedia
James E.C. Perry is a Justice of the Florida Supreme Court
. He was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist
in March 2009 to replace retiring Justice Charles T. Wells
and was Crist's fourth appointment to the supreme court.
“Throughout his career as an attorney and circuit judge, Justice Perry has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to justice and equality,” said Governor Crist at the time of appointment. “His expertise, professionalism and humanitarian spirit make him exceptionally qualified to serve on Florida’s highest court.”
Justice Perry is known for his work with youth. He was founder and president of the Jackie Robinson Sports Association, a baseball league serving 650 at-risk girls and boys. He trained his coaches not only to teach baseball but also required them to serve as mentors and tutors.
Before joining the state's highest court, Perry served as a circuit judge of Florida's Eighteenth Judicial Circuit following his appointment by Governor Jeb Bush
in March 2000. He later served as Chief Judge of the Circuit for a two-year term beginning July 2003.
Perry attended Saint Augustine's College, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting. After serving in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant, he went on to Columbia Law School
where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1972.
Justice Perry was the first African-American appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Governor Jeb Bush issued this statement when he appointed Justice Perry to the circuit bench in March 2000:
“James brings a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and skill to the bench. His community service and commitment to the Jackie Robinson Little League demonstrates his dedication to the community. I am confident that his expertise, strong commitment, and dedication will continue to be an asset to the 18th Judicial Circuit and the state.”
Following his appointment to the circuit court bench, Justice Perry ran unopposed to retain his seat.
Justice Perry is the 85th Justice to take office at the Florida Supreme Court since statehood was granted in 1845.
Florida Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the State of Florida is the highest court in the U.S. state of Florida. The Supreme Court consists of seven judges: the Chief Justice and six Justices who are appointed by the Governor to 6-year terms and remain in office if retained in a general election near the end of each...
. He was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist
Charlie Crist
Charles Joseph "Charlie" Crist, Jr. is an American politician who was the 44th Governor of Florida. Prior to his election as governor, Crist previously served as Florida State Senator, Education Commissioner, and Attorney General...
in March 2009 to replace retiring Justice Charles T. Wells
Charles T. Wells
Charles T. Wells was a member of the Florida Supreme Court from 1994 until March 3, 2009, when he retired. He was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles. He served as Chief Justice from July 1, 2000, until June 30, 2002. He is perhaps most noted for presiding over appeals brought to the Court as...
and was Crist's fourth appointment to the supreme court.
“Throughout his career as an attorney and circuit judge, Justice Perry has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to justice and equality,” said Governor Crist at the time of appointment. “His expertise, professionalism and humanitarian spirit make him exceptionally qualified to serve on Florida’s highest court.”
Justice Perry is known for his work with youth. He was founder and president of the Jackie Robinson Sports Association, a baseball league serving 650 at-risk girls and boys. He trained his coaches not only to teach baseball but also required them to serve as mentors and tutors.
Before joining the state's highest court, Perry served as a circuit judge of Florida's Eighteenth Judicial Circuit following his appointment by Governor Jeb Bush
Jeb Bush
John Ellis "Jeb" Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007. He is a prominent member of the Bush family: the second son of former President George H. W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush; the younger brother of former President George W...
in March 2000. He later served as Chief Judge of the Circuit for a two-year term beginning July 2003.
Perry attended Saint Augustine's College, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting. After serving in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant, he went on to Columbia Law School
Columbia Law School
Columbia Law School, founded in 1858, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States. A member of the Ivy League, Columbia Law School is one of the professional graduate schools of Columbia University in New York City. It offers the J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. degrees in...
where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1972.
Justice Perry was the first African-American appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Governor Jeb Bush issued this statement when he appointed Justice Perry to the circuit bench in March 2000:
“James brings a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and skill to the bench. His community service and commitment to the Jackie Robinson Little League demonstrates his dedication to the community. I am confident that his expertise, strong commitment, and dedication will continue to be an asset to the 18th Judicial Circuit and the state.”
Following his appointment to the circuit court bench, Justice Perry ran unopposed to retain his seat.
Justice Perry is the 85th Justice to take office at the Florida Supreme Court since statehood was granted in 1845.