Rodney Smith (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney Smith
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida | |
| Assumed office June 14, 2019 |
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| Appointed by | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Robin S. Rosenbaum |
| Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida | |
| In office July 2012 – June 13, 2019 |
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| Appointed by | Rick Scott |
| Preceded by | Scott J. Silverman |
| Succeeded by | William Altfield |
| Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court | |
| In office May 2008 – July 2012 |
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| Appointed by | Charlie Crist |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 16, 1974 Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Education | Florida A&M University (BS) Michigan State University (JD) |
Rodney Smith was born on December 16, 1974, in Orlando, Florida. He is a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. This means he works for the U.S. government and helps make important legal decisions in Florida.
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Rodney Smith's Early Life and Education
Rodney Smith went to Florida A&M University and earned a science degree in 1996. He graduated with honors.
After that, he studied law at Michigan State University. He received his law degree in 1999, also graduating with honors.
Rodney Smith's Career as a Lawyer and Judge
From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Smith worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County. This means he helped the state bring legal cases against people who broke the law.
Then, from 2003 to 2007, he worked as a private lawyer. He helped people with their legal problems.
From 2007 to 2008, he was a Senior Assistant City Attorney for Miami Beach. He gave legal advice to the city government.
Becoming a Judge in Florida
In 2008, Governor Charlie Crist chose Mr. Smith to be a judge for the Miami-Dade County Court. He served in this role until 2012.
Later, in 2012, Governor Rick Scott appointed him to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court. He worked there as a judge until 2019.
Becoming a Federal Judge
In February 2018, people started talking about Rodney Smith possibly becoming a federal judge. On April 26, 2018, President Donald Trump announced he wanted to nominate Mr. Smith. This meant President Trump officially suggested him for the job.
His nomination was sent to the United States Senate on May 7, 2018. He was nominated for a judge position that became open when Judge Robin S. Rosenbaum moved to a higher court.
On October 17, 2018, a special meeting was held for his nomination. This meeting was with the Senate Judiciary Committee. They are a group of senators who review people chosen for judge jobs.
Senate Approval Process
On January 3, 2019, his nomination was sent back to the President. This sometimes happens when the Senate doesn't vote on a nomination by the end of the year.
However, on January 23, 2019, President Trump nominated him again. His nomination was sent to the Senate that same day.
On February 7, 2019, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted on his nomination. They approved him with a vote of 17 to 5.
On June 11, 2019, the Senate took a special vote called "cloture." This vote helps move the nomination forward. It passed with a vote of 77 to 19.
Finally, on June 12, 2019, the Senate voted to confirm him as a judge. The vote was 78 to 18. He officially became a federal judge on June 14, 2019.
See also
