Education
Florida A&M University (2010); Florida Coastal School of Law (2013)
Professional Experience
Law Clerk to the honorable Charles R. Wilson, U.S. Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit; Assistant State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit; Civil Defense Litigation Associate, Cole, Scott, & Kissane, P.A.; Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney, Rashad Green Firm, P.A.
Community Involvement
President of the Tallahassee Barristers Association; Member of Florida Bar Constitutional Judiciary Committee; Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Chairman of The Hon. J.W. Hatchett Scholarship, Inc.; Former founding member and Chapter President of the Tampa Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society; Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Youth Football and Baseball Coach.
YouTube
I believe that my professional background and leadership experience as a whole has best prepared me to serve as a Circuit Judge. As a former federal judicial law clerk serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit, Assistant State Attorney, civil defense litigator, criminal defense attorney, attorney representing individuals in injury cases, and with jury and bench trial experience, I understand the unique challenges, interests, and perspectives of every party that may appear before the court. My well-balanced perspective will promote fairness, impartiality, and thoughtful judicial decision-making in the execution of my duties as a circuit judge.
The words “independence of the judiciary” means a lot to me, as those words denote a principle of our legal system that has made the American judiciary a model for other countries. I believe the concept of judicial independence is best understood through the lenses of individual rights, principles of separation of powers, and checks and balances. However, the principle of judicial independence enables judges to rule autonomously on questions of law without the fear of backlash from the general public or its elected officials. An independent judiciary has the power to make decisions that are based solely on the facts and the law and not in response to political pressure or public opinion.
By balancing the need to address any backlog or delay with the need to maintain the integrity of the judicial system, making sure that I optimize limited judicial resources to ensure the timely disposition of cases before me. Actively identifying priority cases and applying common sense docket control policies, when necessary, such as trial or discovery scheduling orders. I would implement case management procedures and firm continuance policies when it is necessary and does not affect the integrity of the judicial process. I will welcome the use of technology and tools that can be used to enhance the expeditious adjudication of cases without compromising constitutional protections like fundamental due process rights or public safety.
Those challenges and disparities include courthouse access, legal representation, technology, and other support services. Leon county has a much larger population than that of its rural counterparts, which provides a stronger tax base and therefore the concentration of legal resources and services that are more accessible to Leon County residents. There are fewer attorneys in our rural counties, which creates additional barriers to access to legal aid, pro bono programs, and volunteer lawyer services. Overcoming barriers to equal access to justice will require our continued efforts to expand the capabilities of remote proceedings, address broadband gaps, and enhance legal aid and pro-bono services that specifically target rural areas.
Education
J.D. 2004, B.S. Mech. Eng. 1996
Professional Experience
21 years in law, 20 years in the U.S. Navy, over 20 jury trials as a lawyer, over 100 jury trials as a judge
Community Involvement
Church elder, Rotary Club, youth community theater and youth chorus volunteer
Instagram
@keepjudgemarsh
I have served as your circuit judge for the past 8 years. In that time, I have presided over family, criminal, and civil divisions. As a trial attorney, I tried over 20 jury trials, drafted wills, prosecuted criminals, and defended those wrongly charged with crimes. I have represented the state and its employees. I have advised Navy admirals and managed large law offices. My life has been dedicated to public service, and I ask you to allow me to continue to serve you in this role. I am a retired Navy judge advocate who was born and raised right here in the circuit. I am the grandson of a blue-collar worker who taught me the importance of integrity, hard work, and treating people equally. That is the promise that my judicial oath demands.
Independent judges rule based on the law and the facts, not external pressures. My records shows that I do just that. In today's partisan environment, parties and interested individuals often seek to change policy through judicial pressure. Judges must be willing to upset government officials or other powerful people if the law requires. Following the law ensures that all people have equality before the court. It also ensures that policy is made by the legislative bodies that the voters elect to office, not judges.
The complaint I most hear from constituents is that cases take too long. I have worked hard over the last 8 years to make sure that the parties are never waiting on me. I put in the time and hard work to always be prepared. I require them to do the same. I hold parties to deadlines and encourage them to resolve matters or get them to trial quickly. However, I involve the participants in scheduling so that they buy in to the proceedings. Litigants need to be heard and have an opportunity to gather their evidence for hearing or trial. Just ask our local trial attorneys about my push to lower backlogs and delays.
I have lived in both rural and urban communities in my 20-year Navy career. I understand the importance of getting to know the local community and its leaders to solve challenging problems. That is no different for access to justice. I am active in our local bar associations, have relationships with officials in each county, and am used to getting to know my neighbor when assigned to a new area. As a judge, I find it important to work with the local bar and encourage attorneys to be involved. No judge can solve this problem individually. However, I can work with our justice partners, like I do now, to bring solutions.
