PRP Statement on Warren v. DeSantis Trial Court Decision

20 JANUARY 2023 — Today, Judge Robert L. Hinkle ruled that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis abused his power when he removed Hillsborough County state’s attorney Andrew Warren last August, while dismissing the lawsuit due to limitations on the court’s jurisdiction in the case. Warren now has the ability to appeal the decision or file a new lawsuit in state court, or run for reelection.

In response to the ruling, Michael Adame, Staff Attorney at Public Rights Project (PRP), which has been working in parallel to Andrew Warren’s legal team in a supporting capacity on the case, issued the following statement:

“Today, the court found what we’ve known all along: Ron Desantis violated the U.S. and Florida constitutions and abused his power when he fired Andrew Warren because of what Warren said and what he stood for – which represented the will of his constituents. Prosecutors cannot be removed from office for prioritizing and protecting the rights of the communities they serve. Voters twice elected Warren to use his prosecutorial discretion in representing them. Attacking local prosecutors for doing their job is the same as attacking the people who elected them.

The implications of this case go beyond just Florida. DeSantis’s decision to remove Warren is part of a troubling and growing trend of states seeking to override the will of the people to elect leaders who represent their values when it comes to civil rights, workers rights, and public safety. DeSantis and other state officials across the country are trying to make playing with our rights part of their standard playbook. We must continue to challenge anyone who abuses their power and prioritizes cheap political wins over addressing the needs of their communities.

DeSantis should not get away with breaking the law. Today’s decision has laid the groundwork for a state court to reinstate Warren and conclude that DeSantis abused his power and violated the Constitution. We stand ready to support Andrew Warren and his team in this fight.” 

Public Rights Project is a national non-profit organization that works with local governments and community partners to help them ensure that laws are enforced equitably and civil rights are protected.

More details on PRP’s involvement in the case can be found here: Warren v. DeSantis: About PRP’s Involvement | External FAQ

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