Justice Charles Canady, the longest-serving current member of the Florida Supreme Court, has announced his resignation to take a position as director of the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. Canady, who has served on the court for 17 years, made the announcement on Monday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Florida.
In his statement, the 71-year-old justice described his tenure on the court as a “great privilege,” but indicated that he believes the time has come for a new chapter in his professional life. Canady stated he will begin his role at the Hamilton School in 2026 while also holding a position as a tenured professor.
Canady’s departure presents an opportunity for Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a new justice, continuing his trend of reshaping the court’s composition. DeSantis has appointed five of the seven current justices since taking office. Canady was originally appointed to the Supreme Court in August 2008 by former Governor Charlie Crist, who was a Republican at the time but later became a Democrat.
Career Overview and Political Impact
Throughout his judicial career, Canady served as chief justice three times. He has a background in politics, having been a member of the state House from 1984 to 1990 and later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992. Canady completed four terms in Congress before deciding not to seek reelection in 2000, having pledged not to serve more than eight years.
Canady’s political influences have shaped his conservative judicial philosophy. He is known for his outspoken opposition to abortion and is credited with coining the term “partial birth abortion.” Additionally, he played a notable role in the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton in 1999.
His wife, Jennifer Canady, was elected to the state House in 2022 and is positioned to become the speaker after the 2028 elections. The couple comes from a politically connected background, with Canady’s father serving as a long-time aide to the late Senator and Governor Lawton Chiles.
Transition to Academia
Canady’s appointment to the Hamilton School reflects his long-standing interest in academia, a path he initially considered before pursuing law. In a 2010 interview with the News Service of Florida, he acknowledged his early aspiration to delve into political science but ultimately found his calling in law. “The law seemed to be always what I came back to,” he stated, expressing no regrets about his decision.
The Hamilton School, which aligns with Republican state leaders’ education initiatives, emphasizes traditional instructional methods. Its mission, as stated on its website, focuses on fostering critical thinking and preparing students to engage with foundational ideas that support a free society.
As Canady embarks on this new role, he aims to leverage his extensive experience in public service and law to enrich the educational landscape at the Hamilton School. His departure from the Florida Supreme Court marks the end of an influential chapter in the state’s judicial history, paving the way for new leadership and perspectives in the court’s future.
