The judicial system is tasked with making decisions that can affect a person’s livelihood, and in some cases, even their very lives. With such high stakes, what role do Chief Judges play in ensuring that Circuits are dispensing justice fairly, effectively, and efficiently throughout Florida? And do they receive any additional compensation for taking on the added responsibilities?
Circuit Chief Judge Fred Lauten and 18th Circuit Chief Judge John Galluzzo discuss the difficult challenges Chief Judges face. Through the prism of a shared experience as heads of their circuits, they convey to listeners – using humor and “non-legalese” – how Chief Judges juggle responsibilities while overseeing a multimillion dollar budget and dozens of Judges. And no, they receive the same compensation as other Circuit Judges.
Circuit bench, which covers Seminole and Brevard counties, for over 10 years. He presided over the latter part of the Trayvon Martin case, which garnered national media attention. He will conclude his 2-year term as Chief Judge this summer.
Former Chief Judge and Moderator
Judge Fred Lauten served in the Ninth Circuit from 1994 to 2019. Between 2015 and 2019, he served as Chief Judge of the Circuit.
Chief Judge
Judge Galluzzo serves as the Chief Judge for the Eighteenth Judical Circuit Court of Florida, covering Brevard and Seminole Counties