Local APD in state publication

Rob Mason, assistant public defender and the Director of Juvenile Court in the Fourth Circuit, is one of a handful of attorneys, judges and legal scholars to contribute an article to the latest edition of Florida Juvenile Law and Practice, a biennial publication of the Florida Bar. Mason works under Public Defender Matt Shirk. 

“This publication serves an important purpose, and it’s an honor to author one of the chapters,” said Mason. “Juvenile law is an area of law that constantly changes, and it’s essential to be current and knowledgeable when representing children. The disposition of a juvenile case can affect a child for the rest of his or her life.”

Mason authored a 33-page chapter entitled “Disposition in Delinquency Cases” in the 11th Edition of Florida Juvenile Law and Practice which was released last month. The content analyzes the complex statutory sentencing laws for juveniles alleged to have committed delinquent acts and also discusses the emerging statewide case law related to the statutes. The Florida Bar publishes this law book every two years due to the continually changing dynamics of case law and Florida statutes. This publication which is intended to provide guidance to attorneys who represent juveniles is widely used in both public and private law offices throughout the state.

“On matters involving juvenile justice, Rob Mason is extremely well-versed and understanding of the system and his knowledge is an incredible asset to this office and to the Fourth Circuit,” said Shirk. “Over the course of his career, Rob has concentrated his practice and research on issues of juvenile delinquency and has become a recognized authority throughout Florida and even nationally.”

Mason has been an assistant public defender in Jacksonville since 1990. After serving as a Juvenile Division Chief from 1999-2007, he currently is the Director of Juvenile Court. He’s also past chair of the Florida Juvenile Rules Committee.