Editorial: Perry will be missed as judge

Retiring jurist’s achievements, leadership are remarkable.

Belvin Perry Jr. became a national figure as the judge who presided in the 2011murder trial of Casey Anthony. But those who know Perry only through that televised legal drama saw just one episode in his extraordinary sage career as a public servant.

An Orlando native and Jones High graduate, he began his career as an assistant state attorney in 1977. In1988 he became the first African-American elected to the bench in the Orange-Osceola circuit without first being appointed. Hewas first chosen by his colleagues as the circuit’s chief judge in 1995— a position he’s held for all but a couple of years since then. Two years ago, in his last contested bid for office, hewas re-elected with 79 percent of the vote.

Thisweek Perry announced his retirement from the bench, effective next month. He might be an impossible act to follow.

Much of what Perry accomplished happened away from the spotlight. He ably served as administrator of the third largest judicial circuit in Florida. He over saw advances in technology for the court. He improved services for victims of crime.

Perry also sat on a state panel overseeing court budgets. In fulfilling that responsibility, he regularly trekked to Tallahassee during legislative sessions to appeal directly to lawmakers for more funding for Florida’s chronically cash-starved judicial branch.

In 2010, Perry was tapped by then-Chief Justice Charles Canady of the Florida Supreme Court to serve as chair of the Florida Innocence Commission, a statewide panel with amission to fight injustice by coming up with solutions to avoid wrongful convictions. Canady wrote that he had chosen members “based upon their individual competence, experience, and anticipated commitment” to the panel’s mission— a description that fits Perry aswell as his judge’s black robe.

While shouldering responsibilities outside the courtroom, Perry maintained a reputation as a top-flight trial judge. He piled up awards for his work. State Attorney Jeff Ashton, one of the prosecutors in the Casey Anthony trial, said, “Hewas always the most well-researched person in the courtroom.”

Perry won widespread praise for his firm but fair approach in the Anthony trial, including from us. Even so, we blasted several decisions he made before, during and after the trial that restricted the flow of information to the public. We haven’t changed our minds, but we have no doubt that the judge was sincere in trying to ensure a fair trial.

Whatever Perry decides to do next— his hopes of appearing on a court TV show didn’t pan out —he’ll be missed on the bench for his work ethic, his leadership, his grace, and his dedication to upholding the law.

“If people can say that Iwas fair, Iwas impartial and that I made the system better, then I will be satisfied,” Perry said this week.

We can say it— andwe’re sure we have plenty of company.