Death row inmate wants to sit on the bench

When Gov. Charlie Crist said he wanted a diverse slate of applicants for the state Supreme Court, he probably wasn’t thinking about the constituency behind bars.

But in a letter Monday announcing his intent to apply for a vacancy on the court, a Florida death row inmate claimed the court should do a better job of representing its imprisoned citizens.

C. Michael Lambrix, who was sentenced to death in 1984 for a double murder in Glades County, wrote in his Jan. 16 letter to Judicial Nominating Commission chairman Robert Hackleman that he wanted to be considered to replace retiring Justice Charles T. Wells and considers his time behind bars as an asset instead of a liability.

Lambrix’s most compelling qualification? He would be the only applicant "that has been totally screwed by the so-called justice system."

"I do believe that our judiciary needs fresh blood and a conflicting perspective, and that my appointment would serve the interest of all Floridians," he wrote. "Arguably our judiciary could be served by incorporating a voice that can empathize and represent this significant percentage of our population."

Lambrix pointed to his 20-year experience as a "jailhouse lawyer" and argued the appointment process hinged more on rewarding political ideology than qualifications.

"I’m already a convicted felon, so at least the public will know what they are actually getting rather than a wolf in sheep’s clothing," he wrote.

If the public doesn’t like his appointment, Lambrix said they could always vote him out six years later in a merit retention election.

He offered Crist with an easier out if he doesn’t work out as a justice.

"The governor can just sign my death warrant and have his judicial minions deny a state of execution and quickly put me to death."

Hey — it’s quicker than judicial disciplinary actions.

Comments

[karen m]

This man has a strong claim to innocence which has been ignored by the judicial system.

see southerninjustice.com to read his trial transcripts and appeals.

He certainly has been totally screwed by the legal system in Florida.

[Geesje de Jong]

Please read Michael's blogs http://deathrowjournals.blogspot.com/ and http://doinglifeondeathrow.blogspot.com/ and his website http://www.southerninjustice.com/

[many victims]

the corrupt florida judiciary has myriad victims ......... the next five appointments to the bench should be non-lawyers .

[South Florida Lawyers]

Good catch. I like this line best:

"I’m already a convicted felon, so at least the public will know what they are actually getting rather than a wolf in sheep’s clothing," he wrote.

If he's not our next Justice maybe he can write for our blog.