Melissa Olin: The Third Circuit's Newest Judge A Woman Who is Ready for the Hard Work Ahead
Posted January 12, 2019 03:15 pm
Retired Circuit Ct. Judge Thomas Kennon,
Jr., administers the oath to Melissa Olin as
husband James holds the bible just presented
to her by Judge Leandra Johnson.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – On Friday afternoon, Melissa Olin was sworn in as a Circuit Court Judge in the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida. Ms. Olin, 48, a former Assistant State Attorney and a UF graduate, continues the generational shift begun with the election of Judge Wesley Douglas and continued with the elections of Judge Mark Feagle and Dixie County County Court Judge Jennifer J. Johnson.
As the event got underway, Ms. Olin watches the parade of Third Circuit Judges into the jury box with husband James.
Courtroom one was packed to the rafters for
Ms. Olin's investiture. At the lectern,
master of ceremonies, retired third circuit
legend, Judge Vernon Douglas.
++ click to enlarge
Chief Judge Wesley Douglas (left) introduced
his father, Judge Vernon Douglas, who
remarked that he is now known as the
"judge's father."
The jury box was filled with third circuit
judges.
The highly regarded Judge Leandra "Lilly"
Johnson presented Ms. Olin with a bible. In
a light moment Judge Johnson joked that she
was glad there was another woman judge in
the court and she would now have someone to
give her lipstick to besides Judge Fina.
Retired Circuit Ct. Judge Thomas Kennon,
Jr., administers the oath to Melissa Olin,
who has her hand on the bible just presented
by Judge Johnson. Husband James looks on.
Judge Olin gets a big smile from husband
James and everyone else.
Veteran Circuit Judge David Fina presents
Judge Olin with her gavel, with advise when
to use it.
Long time friend, Circuit Court Judge Mark
Feagle, presented Judge Olin with her name
plate.
Taylor County Circuit Court Judge and Navy
veteran Gregory Parker presented Judge Olin
with a copy of the Judicial Code of Conduct,
along with friendly words of wisdom.
Circuit Court Judge Paul Bryan gave the
benediction with Judge Olin's family
standing by.
Epilogue
Early
in the campaign, then candidate Olin told
your reporter that Judge Johnson was a role
model for her. That should serve Judge Olin
well in her coming career, which will now be
filled with long days and nights burning the
midnight law oil.
Columbia County, in its small slice of America, showed that at least this time, a judicial candidate can go through the process without ill will, acrimony, fantasy, controversy, and the talk of beer.
Columbia County got this right and another woman on the court is an exceedingly good thing.
