Message from the Chief Judge
As Chief Judge, it is my responsibility to ensure that the third branch of government operates efficiently in Pasco and Pinellas counties, while providing equal justice and fairness to everyone who comes before the Court. The Chief Judge is elected to two-year terms by his or her fellow judges and is responsible to the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
The responsibilities of the Chief Judge include supervision of a plan for prompt disposition of cases, assignment of judges, control of dockets, use of courtrooms and the issuance of Administrative Orders to properly direct the courts’ day-to-day affairs. The Chief Judge also is charged with reviewing areas that are utilized for detention purposes. To assist in the management of one of the largest urban trial courts in Florida, thirteen of our 68 other trial judges assume additional duties as administrative judges and associate administrative judges. Judicial assistants, staff attorneys and Court Administration staff provide invaluable support to all of us in the performance of our judicial duties.
As judges and public servants, we have accepted the charge that goes with the duty of administering justice, protecting the constitutions of Florida and the United States, and maintaining an independent judiciary. And we are committed to seeing that you get maximum efficiency and benefit from the limited tax dollars that are available to the courts.
Ethical rules prevent a judge from responding to questions that are legal in nature, involve a judicial decision or concern a specific pending case. But otherwise, we welcome your comments about our website and operations.
Please send your comments to: courts@jud6.org.
Sincerely,
Shawn Crane
Chief Judge
Sixth Judicial Circuit