Why courts are vitally important to everyone in Florida

Our courts protect democracy
by upholding the law, protecting
individual rights and liberties, enforcing
public order, and providing for a
peaceful resolution of disputes. More
than 4 million new cases are filed
each year impacting every aspect of
society.

Our courts safeguard victims’
rights, determine guilt or innocence
of the accused, and impose appropriate
punishment. Crime hurts everyone.
It results in physical and emotional
injury, loss of life, lost wages,
higher insurance premiums, higher
business expenses, and degradation
of quality of life within our communities.
Last year, more than 1.3 million
criminal cases were filed. Everyone in
our state is affected.

Our courts resolve personal,
business, and property disputes.
The business community is a major
user of the justice system. Last year
there were more than 2.2 million civil
cases filed.

Our courts protect families,
children, the elderly and the infirm.
Nearly 462,000 cases are filed each
year involving the young, the old, and
the frail.