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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