IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO FLORIDA RULE OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE 9.143. (2022)

This matter is before the Court for consideration of proposed amendments to the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure (Rules). See Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.140(f)(1). We have jurisdiction.¹

We asked The Florida Bar's Appellate Court Rules Committee (Committee) to propose amendments to the Rules in light of the victims’ rights constitutional amendment known as Marsy's Law. See art. I, § 16(b), Fla. Const. The Committee filed a report proposing new Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.143 (Crime Victims). We published the proposal for comment and received two comments. The Committee revised its proposal to address those comments, and then the Committee and The Florida Bar Board of Governors unanimously approved the revised rule proposal.

After reviewing the initial proposal, considering the comments and response filed, and having had the benefit of oral argument, we adopt new rule 9.143, with certain modifications.

First, new subdivision (a) (Victim) defines “victim” for the purposes of this rule as set forth in article 1, section 16(e) of the Florida Constitution.

Next, new subdivision (b) (Record) defines the record on appeal, specifying that it includes “any filing by a victim or other authorized filer on the victim's behalf made part of the court file in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420(b)(1)(A).”

Additionally, we adopt new subdivision (c) with modifications. First, we revise the title of the subdivision from “Victim Participation” to “Assertion of Victim's Rights.” Also, we modify the subdivision's language to provide that “[a] victim seeking to invoke a right under article I, section 16, of the Florida Constitution may file a motion in the court in which the matter is pending.”

Accordingly, the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure are amended as reflected in the appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring. The amendments shall take effect immediately upon release of this opinion.

It is so ordered.

APPENDIX

RULE 9.143. CRIME VICTIMS

In all criminal and juvenile delinquency proceedings pursuant to these rules:

(a) Victim. For purposes of this rule a victim shall be defined as set forth in article I, section 16(e), Florida Constitution.

(b) Record. The record on appeal shall include any filing by a victim or other authorized filer on the victim's behalf made part of the court file in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420(b)(1)(A).

(c) Assertion of Victim's Rights. A victim seeking to invoke a right under article I, section 16, of the Florida Constitution may file a motion in the court in which the matter is pending.

Committee Note

2022 Adoption. This rule responds to the 2018 amendment of article I, section 16, Florida Constitution, and is not intended to confer party status on a victim.

FOOTNOTES

1.   See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

PER CURIAM.

CANADY, C.J., and POLSTON, LABARGA, LAWSON, MUÑIZ, COURIEL, and GROSSHANS, JJ., concur.