S P E C I A L F E A T U R E L y n d s e y E. S i a r a – T h i r t e e n t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t
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Some would find her split focus a bit challenging. Yet, she does not find it difficult to switch between the two. Judge Sisco explained that although the subject matter is different, the mechanics of trial are the same whether it is a criminal or civil one. Of course, in criminal trials, there are constitutional protections afforded to criminal defendants that are not present in civil trials, while in civil trials there are issues related to damages and expert witnesses, for example, that are not applicable in criminal ones. While terminology, burdens, and instructions differ, the nuts and bolts of a jury trial are the same.
In addition to trials, two weeks each month are dedicated to Rule 3.850 hearings. Assisted by two seasoned staff attorneys, they address hundreds of Rule 3.850 motions each year. Judge Sisco really is in court all day, every day. So she must really like trials, right? The answer is unequivocally“ YES.”“ The bigger the case, the better,” she says. Murder, medical malpractice, tobacco— these are a few of her favorite types of trials.
The most enjoyable aspect of her job? Without doubt, Judge Sisco enjoys interacting with jurors most. She wants the process to be as comfortable and educational as possible for them. Judge Sisco said that she will do everything within her power to ensure that the jury’ s time is never wasted. She loves learning something new with every trial and watching experienced litigators in action. With each completed trial, Judge Sisco shares her reassuring outlook on the vitality of our legal system.
Watching diverse groups of citizens come together to make tough decisions continually reaffirms her belief in our legal system. Those juries, in her opinion, act within the range of reasonableness the vast majority of the time, but in those rare instances when the jury decides a case differently than she might have, Judge Sisco said she has always felt that each juror took their role seriously. The process engenders a great deal of patriotism in her.
Judge Sisco was appointed to the county court by then-Governor Jeb Bush in 2002, and then to the circuit court bench in 2005. She has been reelected without opposition ever since. In her sixteen years on the bench, she spent time in both civil and criminal divisions, as well as domestic violence and juvenile delinquency. Each assignment taught her something that has enabled her to become a better judge and equipped her to effectively handle a split civil / criminal trial and postconviction division. After five years in her current role, there is no hesitation when she tells you this is by far her favorite assignment. Judge Sisco was also recently awarded“ Judge of the Year” at this year’ s Florida Bar Conference for her work as chair of The Florida Bar’ s Constitutional Judiciary Committee.
Her judicial assistant, Sandi Hecksher, has been with her for twelve of her sixteen years on the bench. They have forged a close relationship during that time. Sadly, Sandi will retire before this article reaches your desk.
Judge Sisco is a proud sixth-generation Floridian on her mother Gayle Brohard Frederick’ s side of the family
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