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Source
State Library of Florida, Florida Collection, BR0273
Description
The League of Women Voters of Florida conducted a questionnaire of all candidates for Justice of the Florida Supreme Court ahead of the primary election held September 12, 1972. The questionnaire asked the candidates to provide biographical information and provide their views on several topics. The candidates canvassed included Richard Ervin, Vassar B. Carlton, David L. McCain, Rivers Buford, and Jim H. Carter.
Date
1972
Format
Topic
Subjects
Geographic Term
CANDIDATES QUESTIONNAIRE
Published by
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN FLORIDA
Primary Election September 12, 1972
Justices of The Supreme Court of Florida
These questions were asked of all candidates for this office.
1. Biographical information: education, general experience, legal experience, published works other than judicial opinions.
2. Do you believe judges should be appointed or elected? If elected, what issues should be discussed by the candidates?
3. Please state in general your philosophy on how respect for the law by the average citizen can be enhanced.
GROUP 1 - Unopposed
RICHARD ERVIN - Age 67
1. Graduated Univ. of Florida College of Law, 1928. Private law practice to 1935. Various public offices to 1948. Attorney General of Florida 1949-1964. Appointed to Fla. Supreme Court 1964, became Chief Justice 1969.
2. Should be appointed by Governor upon recommendation of Judicial Qualifications Commission, but electors should pass upon their performances at periodic elections. Judicial candidates should never demogogue or cater to prejudice or provincial mores contrary to the Constitution. They should never take political positions on issues which are apt to involve court tests.
3. By following rule of law enunciated by highest appellate courts of states and nation which pass upon Constitutional questions - apply legislation that conforms to state and federal Constitutions. Respect for law can only be enhanced by appreciation of one's civic duty to abide by Constitution - particularly bill of rights freedoms.
GROUP 2 - Unopposed
VASSAR B. CARLTON - Age 59
1. L.L.D. Stetson University. 28 years as a trial judge. 4 years on Fla. Supreme Court. 35 years in legal profession.
2. Should be elected. Issues discussed should be their experience, honesty, integrity, sincerity, previous judicial experience most important and necessary for supreme court justices.
3. (did not answer)
What you need to know about the office of Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
Salary: $34,000 ($36,000 legislated but no accompanying appropriation)
Duties: With the adoption of the new Judicial Article (Article V) to the Florida Constitution in March of this year, all the courts in the state will be state courts. Accordingly the Supreme Court will now: 1. Prescribe rules on procedure for all the courts in the state, 2. Administer and supervise all the courts, 3. Obtain and publish reports of progress in the courts and reassign judges to balance load. They will also as before: 4. Hear appeals involving first degree murder, rape, arson, kidnapping, 5. Hear appeals in all cases involving constitutional questions or where a state law is challenges, 6. Hear appeals on bond validation, workmen's comp., and conflicts in cases among the several courts of appeal (this last takes most of their attention).
GROUP 3
DAVID L. McCAIN - Age 41
1. Univ. of Florida Law School, B.A. and L.L.B., 1955. Judge Advocate, U.S. Air Force (Capt.) 2 years. Private practice of law 17 years. City attorney, Ft. Pierce. Judge, Fourth District Court of Appeals, '67-'70. Appointed to Florida Supreme Court, 1970.
2. I still believe Judges should be elected, thereby continuing the true three parts and divisions of our government, answerable directly to the people. Issues to be discussed are: experience as a judge and lawyer; judicial philosophy; judicial temperament; determining that opinions can be written with brevity, precision; and readability.
3. In criminal field, by opinions which while applying due process, nevertheless clearly set forth that criminals and violators of the law will not be pampered. In the civil field, through well written opinions directly to the point and prepared in as scholarly fashion as possible. In all fields, by bringing to courts experiences of life which have humanistic results.
RIVERS BUFORD - Age 45
1. Public Schools of Leon County, Fla. University of Florida, 1946-50, LLB degree. 16 years private law practice. Three years Asst. Attorney General of Fla. Three years General Counsel to State Board of Education. "Constitutional Rights and Non-Renewal of Faculty Contracts", Published in Higher Education: The Law and Individual Rights and Responsibilities, University of Georgia, 1971.
2. I prefer elections to lifetime appointment, but I feel there may be a more desirable method of selection somewhere between these two extremes. In an election, a candidate may not discuss how he may rule on specific issues and, therefore, his campaign must be based upon his own qualifications to hold office.
3. Root cause for current concern with respect for law can be met head-on, can only be finally resolved, when we have convinced people that Justice is fair and impartial, that no man or institution is above law, that law is applied equally to all, that law is not club to be used against people, but a guideline to help people. There is no more important function of courts.
JIM H. CARTER - Age 58
1. High school graduate and admitted to Florida Bar 39 years ago at age 19. Worked in State Government at Tallahassee four years, and in Army during World War II. Practiced law in most branches, except criminal law.
2. Elected. Incumbent ran for this office in 1968, and was defeated. But Governor Kirk put him on the court in 1970. Who do the voters want now? Who is best qualified?
3. From the standpoint of the Courts, it would be fair, prompt, and impartial decisions.
1st nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...September 12
2nd nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...October 3
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization whose purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of all citizens in government and politics. It is open to all women citizens 18 years or older.
FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, WRITE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA, 1310 W. COLONIAL DR., ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32804
Published by
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN FLORIDA
Primary Election September 12, 1972
Justices of The Supreme Court of Florida
These questions were asked of all candidates for this office.
1. Biographical information: education, general experience, legal experience, published works other than judicial opinions.
2. Do you believe judges should be appointed or elected? If elected, what issues should be discussed by the candidates?
3. Please state in general your philosophy on how respect for the law by the average citizen can be enhanced.
GROUP 1 - Unopposed
RICHARD ERVIN - Age 67
1. Graduated Univ. of Florida College of Law, 1928. Private law practice to 1935. Various public offices to 1948. Attorney General of Florida 1949-1964. Appointed to Fla. Supreme Court 1964, became Chief Justice 1969.
2. Should be appointed by Governor upon recommendation of Judicial Qualifications Commission, but electors should pass upon their performances at periodic elections. Judicial candidates should never demogogue or cater to prejudice or provincial mores contrary to the Constitution. They should never take political positions on issues which are apt to involve court tests.
3. By following rule of law enunciated by highest appellate courts of states and nation which pass upon Constitutional questions - apply legislation that conforms to state and federal Constitutions. Respect for law can only be enhanced by appreciation of one's civic duty to abide by Constitution - particularly bill of rights freedoms.
GROUP 2 - Unopposed
VASSAR B. CARLTON - Age 59
1. L.L.D. Stetson University. 28 years as a trial judge. 4 years on Fla. Supreme Court. 35 years in legal profession.
2. Should be elected. Issues discussed should be their experience, honesty, integrity, sincerity, previous judicial experience most important and necessary for supreme court justices.
3. (did not answer)
What you need to know about the office of Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
Salary: $34,000 ($36,000 legislated but no accompanying appropriation)
Duties: With the adoption of the new Judicial Article (Article V) to the Florida Constitution in March of this year, all the courts in the state will be state courts. Accordingly the Supreme Court will now: 1. Prescribe rules on procedure for all the courts in the state, 2. Administer and supervise all the courts, 3. Obtain and publish reports of progress in the courts and reassign judges to balance load. They will also as before: 4. Hear appeals involving first degree murder, rape, arson, kidnapping, 5. Hear appeals in all cases involving constitutional questions or where a state law is challenges, 6. Hear appeals on bond validation, workmen's comp., and conflicts in cases among the several courts of appeal (this last takes most of their attention).
GROUP 3
DAVID L. McCAIN - Age 41
1. Univ. of Florida Law School, B.A. and L.L.B., 1955. Judge Advocate, U.S. Air Force (Capt.) 2 years. Private practice of law 17 years. City attorney, Ft. Pierce. Judge, Fourth District Court of Appeals, '67-'70. Appointed to Florida Supreme Court, 1970.
2. I still believe Judges should be elected, thereby continuing the true three parts and divisions of our government, answerable directly to the people. Issues to be discussed are: experience as a judge and lawyer; judicial philosophy; judicial temperament; determining that opinions can be written with brevity, precision; and readability.
3. In criminal field, by opinions which while applying due process, nevertheless clearly set forth that criminals and violators of the law will not be pampered. In the civil field, through well written opinions directly to the point and prepared in as scholarly fashion as possible. In all fields, by bringing to courts experiences of life which have humanistic results.
RIVERS BUFORD - Age 45
1. Public Schools of Leon County, Fla. University of Florida, 1946-50, LLB degree. 16 years private law practice. Three years Asst. Attorney General of Fla. Three years General Counsel to State Board of Education. "Constitutional Rights and Non-Renewal of Faculty Contracts", Published in Higher Education: The Law and Individual Rights and Responsibilities, University of Georgia, 1971.
2. I prefer elections to lifetime appointment, but I feel there may be a more desirable method of selection somewhere between these two extremes. In an election, a candidate may not discuss how he may rule on specific issues and, therefore, his campaign must be based upon his own qualifications to hold office.
3. Root cause for current concern with respect for law can be met head-on, can only be finally resolved, when we have convinced people that Justice is fair and impartial, that no man or institution is above law, that law is applied equally to all, that law is not club to be used against people, but a guideline to help people. There is no more important function of courts.
JIM H. CARTER - Age 58
1. High school graduate and admitted to Florida Bar 39 years ago at age 19. Worked in State Government at Tallahassee four years, and in Army during World War II. Practiced law in most branches, except criminal law.
2. Elected. Incumbent ran for this office in 1968, and was defeated. But Governor Kirk put him on the court in 1970. Who do the voters want now? Who is best qualified?
3. From the standpoint of the Courts, it would be fair, prompt, and impartial decisions.
1st nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...September 12
2nd nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...October 3
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization whose purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of all citizens in government and politics. It is open to all women citizens 18 years or older.
FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, WRITE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA, 1310 W. COLONIAL DR., ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32804
Title
Candidates questionnaire for justices of the Florida Supreme Court, 1972
Description
The League of Women Voters of Florida conducted a questionnaire of all candidates for Justice of the Florida Supreme Court ahead of the primary election held September 12, 1972. The questionnaire asked the candidates to provide biographical information and provide their views on several topics. The candidates canvassed included Richard Ervin, Vassar B. Carlton, David L. McCain, Rivers Buford, and Jim H. Carter.
Creator
League of Women Voters of Florida
Source
State Library of Florida, Florida Collection, BR0273
Date
1972
Format
fliers (printed matter)
Language
eng-US
Type
Text
Identifier
flc_br0273
Coverage
Late 20th-Century Florida (1968-2000)
Geographic Term
Florida
Thumbnail
/fmp/selected_documents/thumbnails/flc_br0273.jpg
Display Date
published 1972
ImageID
flc_br0273_01
topic
Politics and Government
Subject - Corporate
Florida Supreme Court
Subject - Person
Ervin, Richard
Carlton, Vassar B.
Carter, Jim H.
Buford, Rivers
McCain, David L.
Transcript
CANDIDATES QUESTIONNAIRE
Published by
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN FLORIDA
Primary Election September 12, 1972
Justices of The Supreme Court of Florida
These questions were asked of all candidates for this office.
1. Biographical information: education, general experience, legal experience, published works other than judicial opinions.
2. Do you believe judges should be appointed or elected? If elected, what issues should be discussed by the candidates?
3. Please state in general your philosophy on how respect for the law by the average citizen can be enhanced.
GROUP 1 - Unopposed
RICHARD ERVIN - Age 67
1. Graduated Univ. of Florida College of Law, 1928. Private law practice to 1935. Various public offices to 1948. Attorney General of Florida 1949-1964. Appointed to Fla. Supreme Court 1964, became Chief Justice 1969.
2. Should be appointed by Governor upon recommendation of Judicial Qualifications Commission, but electors should pass upon their performances at periodic elections. Judicial candidates should never demogogue or cater to prejudice or provincial mores contrary to the Constitution. They should never take political positions on issues which are apt to involve court tests.
3. By following rule of law enunciated by highest appellate courts of states and nation which pass upon Constitutional questions - apply legislation that conforms to state and federal Constitutions. Respect for law can only be enhanced by appreciation of one's civic duty to abide by Constitution - particularly bill of rights freedoms.
GROUP 2 - Unopposed
VASSAR B. CARLTON - Age 59
1. L.L.D. Stetson University. 28 years as a trial judge. 4 years on Fla. Supreme Court. 35 years in legal profession.
2. Should be elected. Issues discussed should be their experience, honesty, integrity, sincerity, previous judicial experience most important and necessary for supreme court justices.
3. (did not answer)
What you need to know about the office of Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
Salary: $34,000 ($36,000 legislated but no accompanying appropriation)
Duties: With the adoption of the new Judicial Article (Article V) to the Florida Constitution in March of this year, all the courts in the state will be state courts. Accordingly the Supreme Court will now: 1. Prescribe rules on procedure for all the courts in the state, 2. Administer and supervise all the courts, 3. Obtain and publish reports of progress in the courts and reassign judges to balance load. They will also as before: 4. Hear appeals involving first degree murder, rape, arson, kidnapping, 5. Hear appeals in all cases involving constitutional questions or where a state law is challenges, 6. Hear appeals on bond validation, workmen's comp., and conflicts in cases among the several courts of appeal (this last takes most of their attention).
GROUP 3
DAVID L. McCAIN - Age 41
1. Univ. of Florida Law School, B.A. and L.L.B., 1955. Judge Advocate, U.S. Air Force (Capt.) 2 years. Private practice of law 17 years. City attorney, Ft. Pierce. Judge, Fourth District Court of Appeals, '67-'70. Appointed to Florida Supreme Court, 1970.
2. I still believe Judges should be elected, thereby continuing the true three parts and divisions of our government, answerable directly to the people. Issues to be discussed are: experience as a judge and lawyer; judicial philosophy; judicial temperament; determining that opinions can be written with brevity, precision; and readability.
3. In criminal field, by opinions which while applying due process, nevertheless clearly set forth that criminals and violators of the law will not be pampered. In the civil field, through well written opinions directly to the point and prepared in as scholarly fashion as possible. In all fields, by bringing to courts experiences of life which have humanistic results.
RIVERS BUFORD - Age 45
1. Public Schools of Leon County, Fla. University of Florida, 1946-50, LLB degree. 16 years private law practice. Three years Asst. Attorney General of Fla. Three years General Counsel to State Board of Education. "Constitutional Rights and Non-Renewal of Faculty Contracts", Published in Higher Education: The Law and Individual Rights and Responsibilities, University of Georgia, 1971.
2. I prefer elections to lifetime appointment, but I feel there may be a more desirable method of selection somewhere between these two extremes. In an election, a candidate may not discuss how he may rule on specific issues and, therefore, his campaign must be based upon his own qualifications to hold office.
3. Root cause for current concern with respect for law can be met head-on, can only be finally resolved, when we have convinced people that Justice is fair and impartial, that no man or institution is above law, that law is applied equally to all, that law is not club to be used against people, but a guideline to help people. There is no more important function of courts.
JIM H. CARTER - Age 58
1. High school graduate and admitted to Florida Bar 39 years ago at age 19. Worked in State Government at Tallahassee four years, and in Army during World War II. Practiced law in most branches, except criminal law.
2. Elected. Incumbent ran for this office in 1968, and was defeated. But Governor Kirk put him on the court in 1970. Who do the voters want now? Who is best qualified?
3. From the standpoint of the Courts, it would be fair, prompt, and impartial decisions.
1st nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...September 12
2nd nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...October 3
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization whose purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of all citizens in government and politics. It is open to all women citizens 18 years or older.
FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, WRITE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA, 1310 W. COLONIAL DR., ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32804
Published by
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN FLORIDA
Primary Election September 12, 1972
Justices of The Supreme Court of Florida
These questions were asked of all candidates for this office.
1. Biographical information: education, general experience, legal experience, published works other than judicial opinions.
2. Do you believe judges should be appointed or elected? If elected, what issues should be discussed by the candidates?
3. Please state in general your philosophy on how respect for the law by the average citizen can be enhanced.
GROUP 1 - Unopposed
RICHARD ERVIN - Age 67
1. Graduated Univ. of Florida College of Law, 1928. Private law practice to 1935. Various public offices to 1948. Attorney General of Florida 1949-1964. Appointed to Fla. Supreme Court 1964, became Chief Justice 1969.
2. Should be appointed by Governor upon recommendation of Judicial Qualifications Commission, but electors should pass upon their performances at periodic elections. Judicial candidates should never demogogue or cater to prejudice or provincial mores contrary to the Constitution. They should never take political positions on issues which are apt to involve court tests.
3. By following rule of law enunciated by highest appellate courts of states and nation which pass upon Constitutional questions - apply legislation that conforms to state and federal Constitutions. Respect for law can only be enhanced by appreciation of one's civic duty to abide by Constitution - particularly bill of rights freedoms.
GROUP 2 - Unopposed
VASSAR B. CARLTON - Age 59
1. L.L.D. Stetson University. 28 years as a trial judge. 4 years on Fla. Supreme Court. 35 years in legal profession.
2. Should be elected. Issues discussed should be their experience, honesty, integrity, sincerity, previous judicial experience most important and necessary for supreme court justices.
3. (did not answer)
What you need to know about the office of Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
Salary: $34,000 ($36,000 legislated but no accompanying appropriation)
Duties: With the adoption of the new Judicial Article (Article V) to the Florida Constitution in March of this year, all the courts in the state will be state courts. Accordingly the Supreme Court will now: 1. Prescribe rules on procedure for all the courts in the state, 2. Administer and supervise all the courts, 3. Obtain and publish reports of progress in the courts and reassign judges to balance load. They will also as before: 4. Hear appeals involving first degree murder, rape, arson, kidnapping, 5. Hear appeals in all cases involving constitutional questions or where a state law is challenges, 6. Hear appeals on bond validation, workmen's comp., and conflicts in cases among the several courts of appeal (this last takes most of their attention).
GROUP 3
DAVID L. McCAIN - Age 41
1. Univ. of Florida Law School, B.A. and L.L.B., 1955. Judge Advocate, U.S. Air Force (Capt.) 2 years. Private practice of law 17 years. City attorney, Ft. Pierce. Judge, Fourth District Court of Appeals, '67-'70. Appointed to Florida Supreme Court, 1970.
2. I still believe Judges should be elected, thereby continuing the true three parts and divisions of our government, answerable directly to the people. Issues to be discussed are: experience as a judge and lawyer; judicial philosophy; judicial temperament; determining that opinions can be written with brevity, precision; and readability.
3. In criminal field, by opinions which while applying due process, nevertheless clearly set forth that criminals and violators of the law will not be pampered. In the civil field, through well written opinions directly to the point and prepared in as scholarly fashion as possible. In all fields, by bringing to courts experiences of life which have humanistic results.
RIVERS BUFORD - Age 45
1. Public Schools of Leon County, Fla. University of Florida, 1946-50, LLB degree. 16 years private law practice. Three years Asst. Attorney General of Fla. Three years General Counsel to State Board of Education. "Constitutional Rights and Non-Renewal of Faculty Contracts", Published in Higher Education: The Law and Individual Rights and Responsibilities, University of Georgia, 1971.
2. I prefer elections to lifetime appointment, but I feel there may be a more desirable method of selection somewhere between these two extremes. In an election, a candidate may not discuss how he may rule on specific issues and, therefore, his campaign must be based upon his own qualifications to hold office.
3. Root cause for current concern with respect for law can be met head-on, can only be finally resolved, when we have convinced people that Justice is fair and impartial, that no man or institution is above law, that law is applied equally to all, that law is not club to be used against people, but a guideline to help people. There is no more important function of courts.
JIM H. CARTER - Age 58
1. High school graduate and admitted to Florida Bar 39 years ago at age 19. Worked in State Government at Tallahassee four years, and in Army during World War II. Practiced law in most branches, except criminal law.
2. Elected. Incumbent ran for this office in 1968, and was defeated. But Governor Kirk put him on the court in 1970. Who do the voters want now? Who is best qualified?
3. From the standpoint of the Courts, it would be fair, prompt, and impartial decisions.
1st nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...September 12
2nd nonpartisan election for Judicial Officers...October 3
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization whose purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of all citizens in government and politics. It is open to all women citizens 18 years or older.
FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, WRITE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA, 1310 W. COLONIAL DR., ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32804
Chicago Manual of Style
League of Women Voters of Florida. Candidates questionnaire for justices of the Florida Supreme Court, 1972. 1972. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. <https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/297341>, accessed 14 March 2025.
MLA
League of Women Voters of Florida. Candidates questionnaire for justices of the Florida Supreme Court, 1972. 1972. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/297341>
AP Style Photo Citation
(State Archives of Florida/League of Women Voters of Florida)