Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Florida Right-to-Life Law

Legal

By Jeff Johnson

Last Updated:

January 13, 2005

Appeals court rejects Schindler's religious liberty request: LAKELAND (FBW)—Ruling on their last pending appeal for the year, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal Dec. 29 affirmed a lower court’s decision to not re-open a case involving the religious liberty of a disabled woman, Terri Schiavo, by issuing a one-word decree: “Affirmed.”

December 30, 2004

Appeals court refuses to re-open Schiavo case: LAKELAND (FBW)-Ruling on their last pending appeal for the year, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal Dec. 29 affirmed a lower court’s decision to not re-open a case involving the religious liberty of a disabled woman, Terri Schiavo, by issuing a one-word decree, “Affirmed.”

December 16, 2004

Terri Schiavo birthday party without guest of honor: PINELLAS PARK (FBW)–Family and friends of a 41-year-old disabled woman at the center of a “right-to-die” dispute met at a park pavilion Dec. 12 to celebrate her Dec. 2 birthday.

November 11, 2004

Judge rules in favor of Terri Schiavo on nutrition stay: CLEARWATER (FBW)-A pair of judicial decisions the last week in October made clear Terri Schiavo will not die of starvation or dehydration as long as there are appeals pending before the courts.

October 28, 2004

Greer rejects religious argument in Schiavo case; issues emergency stay to allow parents to appeal by Dec. 6: CLEARWATER (FBW)-Terri Schiavo members got a double whammy last week when the judiciary on two fronts turned down requests for rehearings in the case of the 40-year old disabled woman.
Bush attorney returns to Florida roots, urges cultural engagement in Schiavo case: GRACEVILLE (BCF)—Ken Connor, a former Florida trial attorney, told students at the Baptist College of Florida Oct. 18 that Americans have rejected the foundation of “the Great American Experiment,” and have given into to a new cultural order.

October 7, 2004

Gov. Bush asks for rehearing in Schiavo Supreme Court case: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Florida's Gov. Jeb Bush filed a motion Oct. 4 asking the Florida State Supreme Court to reconsider its Sept. 23 ruling in which justices said a law allowing the governor to order the resumption of Terri Schiavo's feeding and hydration tube unconstitutional.

September 30, 2004

Florida Supreme Court rules ‘Terri’s Law’ unconstitutional: TALLAHASSEE (BP)—In a blow to pro-lifers, the Florida Supreme Court struck down “Terri’s Law” Sept. 23, ruling against the 2003 act that allowed Gov. Jeb Bush to order a feeding tube re-inserted into a 40-year-old disabled woman.

September 9, 2004

Supreme Court hears Schiavo v. Bush: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—In a case pro-life advocates say may decide the future of euthanasia in the United States, Florida Supreme Court justices heard arguments Sept. 1 over the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law”—a measure opposed by Terri Schiavo’s husband, Michael, who filed suit against the governor last October.

September 2, 2004

Florida high court hears arguments in Schiavo case: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-In a case pro-life advocates say may decide the future of euthanasia in the United States, Florida Supreme Court justices heard arguments Aug. 31 over the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law”—a measure opposed by Terri Schiavo’s husband, Michael, who filed suit against the governor last October.

July 29, 2004

Terri Schiavo attorney cites SBC resolution in legal motion: CLEARWATER (FBW)-Citing Terri Schiavo’s right to freely exercise her religious faith, her parents’ lawyer July 20 added a new twist to the case by arguing that removing the 40-year-old disabled woman’s feeding tube would be in direct violation of her religious beliefs.

June 24, 2004

Florida Supreme Court agrees to fast-track Terri Schiavo case: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-The Florida Supreme Court voted 4-3 June 16 to hear the case regarding “Terri’s Law,” in which Gov. Bush, acting with the Legislature’s approval, ordered doctors to re-insert a hydration and nutrition tube last October for a disabled 40-year-old Clearwater woman.

June 10, 2004

Judge rules Terri Schiavo’s parents may resume visitation: CLEARWATER (FBW)–Telling them they won’t need a security guard, but they will need to make sure not to violate their daughter’s privacy, Judge George W. Greer ruled June 4 that Terri Schiavo’s parents can resume visiting their daughter at the Clearwater assisted living facility where she lives.

June 3, 2004

Judge allows Terri's family unsupervised visit: CLEARWATER (FBW)–The family of Terri Schiavo, a 40-year-old disabled woman at the center of a legal dispute, was granted their first unsupervised visit in two months May 29.

May 6, 2004

Judge declares ‘Terri’s Law’ unconstitutional: Updated: May 6, 2004; 6:50 P.M.
CLEARWATER (FBW)-A Florida judge struck down “Terri’s Law” May 5, ruling the measure violated the state’s constitution by allowing Gov. Jeb Bush to order the nutrition and hydration tube of a disabled woman to be reinserted.

March 18, 2004

Terri Schiavo's parents lose second bid to intervene in court case: CLEARWATER (FBW) - A Florida state court March 12 denied a motion to intervene on behalf of Robert and Mary Schindler, the parents of Terri Schiavo, a brain-damaged woman at the center of a "right-to-die" debate.

February 12, 2004

Gov. Bush, Schiavo parents gain appeals court victories: TAMPA (FBW)-Gov. Jeb Bush and Terri Schiavo's parents won a reprieve Feb. 13 when an appellate court ruled twice in their favor on two separate legal issues regarding the ongoing case of the 40-year-old brain-damaged woman at the center of a national "right-to-die" debate.

January 22, 2004

Schiavo attorney seeks modification of visitation rules: ST. PETERSBURG (FBW)-A lawyer acting on behalf of Michael Schiavo, the husband of a 40-year-old brain damaged woman in Florida, has petitioned the court for even more stringent restrictions on visitors than those already in place.

January 15, 2004

Judge refuses to reappoint Schiavo guardian ad litem: CLEARWATER (FBW)-Citing pending litigation over the constitutionality of a law which provided a brain damaged woman a guardian ad litem, a circuit judge turned down a request Jan. 9 by Gov. Jeb Bush to reappoint the dismissed man to that role.

January 8, 2004

Florida case draws international attention as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday nears: CLEARWATER (FBW)–Drawing an international spotlight to Florida in 2003, the case of 40-year-old disabled woman Terri Schiavo continues to sustain momentum as right-to-die advocates and right-to-life proponents square off in what has become one more stake in the battle over the sanctity of human life.
Legislature pressed to act in defense of life in case of Terri Schiavo: TAMPA (FBW)—In a state where a death sentence can be appealed again and again, it didn’t sit well with members of both chambers of the legislature that Terri Schiavo faced imminent death unless drastic measures were taken to remedy the situation.

December 24, 2003

Judge set to rule on Schiavo case

CLEARWATER (FBW)-The legal battle over a woman's right to life came one step closer to being decided Dec. 23 when a circuit court judge said he's ready to rule on the constitutionality of "Terri's Law," opening the door for the possible removal of the 40-year old brain-damaged woman's feeding tube.

Circuit Court Judge Douglas W. Baird told attorneys for Florida Gov. Jeb Bush he needs neither testimony from witnesses or a jury to help him decide whether the Legislature's quick action in October was unconstitutional.

November 18, 2003

Amber’s story: An unanticipated quality of life

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final article in a two-part series telling the story of Amber Satterwhite. Part one, "Amber’s story: Joy on Christmas Eve," detailed Amber’s journey from the time she collapsed into a diabetic coma at age fourteen in 1995, until the present. ]

MIAMI (FBW)–While at times it might seem cruel that 22-year-old Amber Satterwhite has not mentally progressed beyond a 3-year-old, her mom said that’s not a reason to cast doubt on her quality of life.

December 11, 2003

Amber’s story: Joy on Christmas Eve

MIAMI (FBW)—Christmas Eve 1995 the entire Satterwhite family gathered at 14-year-old Amber’s bedside in a South Carolina hospital. A noisy respirator delivering air to her lungs, a feeding tube in her nose, and the earnest prayers of her family were the only signs of life.

Earlier in the evening Amber’s 11-year-old brother Dean had roamed the hallways of the intensive care unit, crying and upset. He had been told the inevitable. Amber would not wake up.

Guardian’s report ‘academic’ but not ‘practical’

CLEARWATER (FBW)-Though he might be striving to serve as a mediator, and though his conclusions may sound profound — a long-time Florida litigator said the court-appointed guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo, has failed to apply simple logic in a case that is not typical, but is instead full of unanswered questions and suspect motives.

December 3, 2003

Supporters to gather in Clearwater for Schiavo’s 40^th birthday; Guardian’s report to governor released

CLEARWATER (FBW)-Supporters from across America are expected to gather outside Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park Dec. 3 to celebrate the 40th birthday of Terri Schiavo, the brain damaged woman at the center of a national "right-to-die" debate.

The celebration comes a day after a court-appointed special guardian ad litem released a 40-page report Dec. 2 calling for a "fresh, clean-hands start," including swallowing tests to see if Schiavo can eat and drink on her own.

December 4, 2003

Lawyers continue to battle over Terri’s right to live: CLEARWATER (FBW)—In two actions a Florida attorney calls an attempt to "short circuit the judicial process," a lawyer for Michael Schiavo asked a judge Nov. 25 to prevent Gov. Jeb Bush from deposing witnesses in the case and to by-pass court procedure in order to rule on the case himself.

November 27, 2003

Terri Schiavo members announce silent vigil: ST. PETERSBURG BEACH (FBW)—Green plaid ribbons and a light in the window will remind people around the world that Terri Schiavo, a 39-year-old disabled woman, is not yet out of danger and faces death by starvation and dehydration if her husband and guardian prevails in the Florida courts.

November 19, 2003

Legal manueverings continue in Terri Schiavo case: LAKELAND (FBW)—In a round of legal manueverings Nov. 14, the 2nd District Court of Appeal issued an indefinite stay after Pinellas County Circuit Court Judge Doublas Baird the same day ruled to lift a stay clearing the way for a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of "Terri’s Law."

November 13, 2003

Terri's parents voice private pain in conflict: PINELLAS PARK (FBW)—It had been six days since her daughter had eaten. Mary Schindler’s voice lowered as she remembered Oct. 21. She could hardly speak. With a rigid back, she clasped her hands to her face, her chest—and finally grabbed her chin.
Editorial: Reading the newspapers and watching the cable news accounts of the now internationally known Terri Schiavo controversy, one would assume that the passions and motivations in this case are fueled solely by the religious worldview of pro-life Catholics, conservative evangelicals and other members of the so-called “Religious Right.” As usual, the major media are missing an important part of this story – there is another worldview in play in the Schiavo debate advocated chiefly by the famous attorney of the case, George Felos.

November 6, 2003

Sekulow supports Gov. Bush, assists Schiavo’s parents: CLEARWATER (FBW)—Asking to intervene in a lawsuit that is expected to go before the Florida Supreme Court, the American Center for Law and Justice, filed a motion Oct. 30 in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County to intervene on behalf of the parents of Terri Schiavo, a 39-year-old brain damaged woman at the center of a national debate.

November 3, 2003

Wolfson appointed guardian in Schiavo case; Pro-family leader appointed to governor's legal team: TAMPA (FBW)-Despite allegations that he might have already been biased in the case of 39-year-old brain damaged Terri Schiavo, Jay Wolfson, a medical doctor and lawyer, who is a professor of health and law at Stetson University, has been named to be guardian ad litem to the woman who is at the center of a so-called right-to-die debate.

October 30, 2003

Twists in Terri Schiavo dispute continue: PINELLAS PARK (BP)—After more than a week of intense legal and emotional maneuvers, Terri Schiavo’s family said they are looking to bring her home.

October 29, 2003

Schindler and Schiavo speak out on CNN, Fox: LOS ANGELES (FBW)--In television interviews on CNN and Fox news networks at the same hour Oct. 27, the husband and father of Terri Schiavo each told a part of their side of the story in the ongoing dispute over the fate of the 39-year-old brain damaged woman at the center of a national debate.

October 24, 2003

Schiavo family spends day with Terri; Lieberman backs Gov. Bush

EDITOR'S NOTE: This new story was posted at 10:00 a.m. Oct. 24.

PINNELLAS PARK (FBW)-Thankful for a almost a full day Oct. 23 visiting at Woodside Hospice with their sister and daughter, Terri Schiavo’s family said the redness around her eyes has subsided and it appears her kidneys are functioning.

October 23, 2003

Schiavo moved back to hospice, husband reverses ban on family's visits

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 23.

PINELLAS PARK (FBW)-Terri Schiavo was moved back to Woodside Hospice late Oct. 22 where her parents were allowed to visit for the first time since a flurry of legal proceedings Oct. 20-21 had her moved from hospice to hospital and back.

Legislature intervenes in Schiavo case

TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Frantic debate over the removal of a feeding tube from 39-year-old Terri Schiavo had lawmakers from Tampa to Clearwater scurrying Oct. 20 while death by starvation and dehydration appeared likely for the Clearwater woman.

October 22, 2003

Terri Schiavo moved to hospital, rehydration begins after Gov. Bush issues executive order

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated at 7:46 a.m. Oct. 22.

CLEARWATER (FBW)-Doctors at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater began the process to rehydrate Terri Schiavo late Oct. 21, six days after her feeding tube was removed.

October 21, 2003

Florida legislature grants Gov. Bush authority to issue stay in starvation of Clearwater woman: CLEARWATER (FBW)-Both chambers of the Florida legislature voted Oct. 21 to authorize Florida Gov. Jeb Bush a one-time stay to prevent the withholding of nutrition and hydration from Terri Schiavo, a 39-year-old Florida woman whose feeding tube was removed Oct. 15.

October 16, 2003

UPDATED EDITORIAL: Starving a woman to death: CLEARWATER, Fla. --A five-year legal battle to remove the feeding tube of Terri Schindler Schiavo seemingly ended Oct. 15 -- with the death of the 39-year-old, brain-damaged woman now imminent. The determined effort of husband Michael Schiavo acting as her legal guardian to starve his wife to death may be realized in a matter of days.

September 25, 2003

Editorial: Terri Schindler Schiavo’s execution date has been set. Unlike criminals on death row who are given a last meal of their choice before the state administers their punishment, Schiavo—guilty of no crime but the misfortune of her marriage to a man determined to end her life—will have no last meal; her means of execution is starvation.

September 4, 2003

Editorial: A five-year legal battle to remove the feeding tube of Terri Schindler Schiavo seems to be nearing its end-with the death of the 39 year-old, brain-damaged woman seemingly imminent. The determined effort of Michael Schiavo-acting as her legal guardian-to starve his wife to death may be realized in just a few weeks.

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