James E. Alderman

James E. Alderman
Justice of the Florida Supreme Court
In office
April 11, 1978 – August 31, 1985
Preceded by Frederick B. Karl
Succeeded by Rosemary Barkett
Personal details
Alma mater University of Florida, University of Florida Law School

James E. Alderman (1936)[1] served a six-year term as justice for the Florida Supreme Court from 1978 to 1985, retiring after a personal tragedy forced his return home to tend the family business.[2] Alderman's term notably came about as one of the first appointed justices after an amendment abolished direct elections for vacancies.[3]

Early life and education

A sixth-generation Floridian, Alderman attended Fort Pierce High School and grew up working on the family ranch.[2] The Aldermans raised cattle in St. Lucie county since 1830, well before Florida achieved statehood in 1845.[2] Alderman earned an LLB from the University of Florida Law School, and began his career in private practice.

Public Service

Gov. Askew congratulating Alderman

Alderman's first foray into public service began when Governor Reubin Askew picked Alderman to serve as a County judge for St. Lucie County 1971. Five years later, Alderman successfully ran for St. Lucie county circuit judge in 1976, and was soon appointed to the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach by Governor Askew later that year.[4]

Alderman was one of the first justices appointed by Governor Askew under the new constitutional amendment that ended the direct election of supreme court justices to six year terms.[5] A later constitutional amendment modified the provisions regarding term limits so that appointees face a retention election instead, something Alderman handily won.[6]

Retirement

Although an untimely family illness forced Alderman to retire, Governor Bob Graham succeeded Alderman's legacy by appointing Rosemary Barkett, Florida's first female Supreme Court justice and eventual judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

References

  1. ↑ "Judge James E. Alderman (Supreme Court of Florida) – CourtListener.com". Court Listener. Free Law Project.
  2. 1 2 3 Florida Supreme Court gallery page on James E. Alderman.
  3. ↑ Fla. Const. Ar. V (as amended 1972).
  4. ↑ Martha Musgrove, "Alderman Officially a Justice", The Palm Beach Post (April 12, 1978), p. 27.
  5. ↑ 35 Miami Law Review 1019, 1065 (1981).
  6. ↑ 35 Miami Law Review 1019, 1064 (1981).
Political offices
Preceded by
Frederick B. Karl		 Justice of the Florida Supreme Court
1978–1985		 Succeeded by
Rosemary Barkett
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