Florida Supreme Court March oral arguments
Oral arguments will be held on March 5 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Both cases on the Court's schedule are capital cases.
The Florida Supreme Court will hold one day of oral argument for the month of March on March 5 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Both cases on the Court’s schedule are capital cases.
March 5
Bright v. State; Bright v. Sec’y, Dep’t of Corrs.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear argument in Raymond Bright's case. Bright was sentenced to death for crimes that occurred in 2008. On postconviction in 2016, Bright was granted a new penalty phase.
At resentencing, Bright was against sentenced to death following the jury's unanimous recommendations for death (under Florida's 2017 statute). His sentences became final in 2021. This is his initial postconviction and petition for writ of habeas corpus.
Bell v. State; Bell v. Sec’y, Dep’t of Corrs.
Beginning around 9:40 a.m., the Court will hear argument in Jesse Bell's case. Bell was sentenced to death after waiving his right to a penalty phase jury. This is his initial postconviction and petition for writ of habeas corpus. His sentence became final in late 2022.
Links to the docket in each case can be found on the Court’s website here. Oral arguments are live-streamed and can be accessed here.