10/20/2011 Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Judge Tyrie Boyer and Harvey Jay III of Jacksonville to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court.

Judge Boyer, 63, has served on the Duval County Court since 2001 while also being an adjunct professor at the Florida Coastal School of Law since 2000. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Boyer spent 24 years as a successful private practitioner and was an assistant public defender for the Duval County Court from 1976 to 1977. Judge Boyer served in the United States Army Reserve and National Guard from 1969 to 1982 and received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida.

“Judge Boyer’s wide-ranging legal experience, his proven work ethic and his demonstrated respect for judicial restraint make him a great choice for the Circuit Court,” Governor Scott said. “I am confident that he will continue to preside with impartiality, diligence and abiding respect for the rule of law.”

Jay, 48, has had a distinguished law career as a trial and appellate litigator, the bulk of which has been spent as a partner at Saalfield, Shad, Jay, Stokes, Inclan and Stoudemire P.A.. Previously, he practiced with the Law Office of Joseph Milton from 1989 to 1991. He received a bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and a law degree from the University of Florida.

“With 22 years of litigation experience, Jay has gained the insight and skills that will make him a fair and impartial judge,” Governor Scott said. “He has long displayed the highest levels of integrity and professionalism, and I am confident he will exercise sound judgment and adhere to a philosophy of judicial restraint.”

Judge Boyer will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge L. Haldane Taylor, and Jay will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Frederick B. Tygart.

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