Donald G. Jacobsen
Donald G. Jacobsen
District: Circuit Judge
Comments
Article
By JASON GEARY
THE LEDGER
Donald Jacobsen took the top spot yet again among his fellow circuit judges, and some lawyers aren't shy about saying they want him to stay there and not get a promotion to an appeals court.
Jacobsen said his passion for being a judge remains strong.
"I enjoy learning and understanding the law and applying it," he said.
Jacobsen has grabbed the No. 1 spot in seven consecutive surveys.
His previous overall rating was 8.64 out of 10 in 2008. This year's overall rating of 8.60 represents the lowest Jacobsen has been rated in all of his years on the survey. His highest overall rating ever was 8.87 in 2006.
He currently is handling civil cases.
For this survey, lawyers rated his legal ability at 8.71, his highest individual category. His lowest was 8.46 for written decisions.
Anonymous comments remain mostly positive, praising the judge's performance.
"Such a terrific judge," one lawyer wrote. "He has the courage to make the decision that he believes is right."
Another wrote Jacobsen serves as the "bench-mark" for his colleagues and is "the standard by which our outstanding bench should be measured."
Jacobsen and Circuit Judge Ellen S. Masters each submitted applications to fill a recent vacancy on the 2nd District Court of Appeal. Both were finalists, but were eventually passed up for the spot.
Six lawyers said Jacobsen would make a good appellate judge, but some said they selfishly hoped he wouldn't be picked.
"Paragon of fairness," one wrote. "If he ascends to the District Court of Appeal, he cannot be replaced."
Jacobsen was described as detail-oriented, level-headed, intelligent and compassionate. "Wish we could clone him," said one lawyer.
"Does not want to be reversed; therefore, he works very hard to get it right so that reversal will not occur," another wrote.
Several people did voice some criticism of Jacobsen, accusing him of having a temper and being too light when dishing out sentences.
"Appears as though he is trying not to hurt a defendant's feelings," one wrote.
Jacobsen said he doesn't enjoy sentencing people to prison, but he follows the law.
He said it is rare for him to go below the state's sentencing guidelines, which show the lowest recommended sentence. "I very much try to follow the law in any sentencing."
Jacobsen, 58, earned his law degree from the University of Florida Law School in 1976.
Jacobsen spent about 20 years in private practice before being appointed by Gov. Lawton Chiles to the circuit bench in 1997.
He is up for election this year.
He and his wife, Chris, have two grown children. They live in Lakeland.
| 2010 Overall | Legal Ability | Communication Ability | Written Decisions | Professional Conduct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.60 | 8.71 | 8.55 | 8.46 | 8.70 |
Comments
Detail oriented.
Great judge. He is what everyone expects and wants in a judge. Should be on the appellate bench.
Over the years people seem to just fall in line and praise Judge Jacobson. He is not that good. Gets hung up on details.
An excellent judge who should be appointed to the apellate court.
Excellent judge. Very familiar with law. Wonderful communicator. Pleasure to work with.
The best. Again.
Excellent judge. Shows well-balanced, well-reasoned judgment, and a level-headed temperament proper to his judicial task. He would make a great chief judge.
The standard by which our outstanding bench should be measured - the "bench-mark."
Compassionate; intelligent.
It will be sad to lose him to the DCA if he is chosen. Rules with common sense and the law.
There is a reason he tops the poll every time.
Out of touch.
Has the ability to be one of the best judges on the bench, but sometimes lacks courage.
One of the best - very fair, willing to acknowledge error.
Terrible, caustic temper. Pusillanimously apologizes to attorneys and staff in private after excoriating them publicly in the courtroom. Feels empathy for inmates, rather than crime victims.
A pleasure to appear in front of.
Selfishly, we hope you do not go to the Second District Court of Appeal. Will be number one again.
Way too liberal and full of himself. Doesn't always follow the law. Hope he isn't selected appelate judge.
The brightest and best.
Main goal is to follow law.Light sentencer. Appears as though he is trying not to hurt a defendant's feelings.
There's never been a better judge in the 10th Circuit.
Paragon of fairness. If he ascends to the District Court of Appeal, he cannot be replaced.
Great judge and person. Wish we could clone him.
One of the best. A pleasure to appear before.
Light on criminals - strong legal research in every case.
Such a terrific judge. He has the courage to make the decision that he believes is right, even if he knew that it is not popular. Does not want to be reversed, therefore he works very hard to get it right. So that reversal will not occur.
Fair to defendants.
Hard worker.
Perhaps the most intellectual circuit judge. I don't agree with his propensity to sentence criminals lightly, but he is consistent with his rulings. At the end of the day, that means a lot. I respect the judge for that. He is a hard worker.
Great judge. He is what everyone expects and wants in a judge. Should be on the appellate bench.
Over the years people seem to just fall in line and praise Judge Jacobson. He is not that good. Gets hung up on details.
An excellent judge who should be appointed to the apellate court.
Excellent judge. Very familiar with law. Wonderful communicator. Pleasure to work with.
The best. Again.
Excellent judge. Shows well-balanced, well-reasoned judgment, and a level-headed temperament proper to his judicial task. He would make a great chief judge.
The standard by which our outstanding bench should be measured - the "bench-mark."
Compassionate; intelligent.
It will be sad to lose him to the DCA if he is chosen. Rules with common sense and the law.
There is a reason he tops the poll every time.
Out of touch.
Has the ability to be one of the best judges on the bench, but sometimes lacks courage.
One of the best - very fair, willing to acknowledge error.
Terrible, caustic temper. Pusillanimously apologizes to attorneys and staff in private after excoriating them publicly in the courtroom. Feels empathy for inmates, rather than crime victims.
A pleasure to appear in front of.
Selfishly, we hope you do not go to the Second District Court of Appeal. Will be number one again.
Way too liberal and full of himself. Doesn't always follow the law. Hope he isn't selected appelate judge.
The brightest and best.
Main goal is to follow law.Light sentencer. Appears as though he is trying not to hurt a defendant's feelings.
There's never been a better judge in the 10th Circuit.
Paragon of fairness. If he ascends to the District Court of Appeal, he cannot be replaced.
Great judge and person. Wish we could clone him.
One of the best. A pleasure to appear before.
Light on criminals - strong legal research in every case.
Such a terrific judge. He has the courage to make the decision that he believes is right, even if he knew that it is not popular. Does not want to be reversed, therefore he works very hard to get it right. So that reversal will not occur.
Fair to defendants.
Hard worker.
Perhaps the most intellectual circuit judge. I don't agree with his propensity to sentence criminals lightly, but he is consistent with his rulings. At the end of the day, that means a lot. I respect the judge for that. He is a hard worker.
Article
By JASON GEARY
THE LEDGER
Donald Jacobsen took the top spot yet again among his fellow circuit judges, and some lawyers aren't shy about saying they want him to stay there and not get a promotion to an appeals court.
Jacobsen said his passion for being a judge remains strong.
"I enjoy learning and understanding the law and applying it," he said.
Jacobsen has grabbed the No. 1 spot in seven consecutive surveys.
His previous overall rating was 8.64 out of 10 in 2008. This year's overall rating of 8.60 represents the lowest Jacobsen has been rated in all of his years on the survey. His highest overall rating ever was 8.87 in 2006.
He currently is handling civil cases.
For this survey, lawyers rated his legal ability at 8.71, his highest individual category. His lowest was 8.46 for written decisions.
Anonymous comments remain mostly positive, praising the judge's performance.
"Such a terrific judge," one lawyer wrote. "He has the courage to make the decision that he believes is right."
Another wrote Jacobsen serves as the "bench-mark" for his colleagues and is "the standard by which our outstanding bench should be measured."
Jacobsen and Circuit Judge Ellen S. Masters each submitted applications to fill a recent vacancy on the 2nd District Court of Appeal. Both were finalists, but were eventually passed up for the spot.
Six lawyers said Jacobsen would make a good appellate judge, but some said they selfishly hoped he wouldn't be picked.
"Paragon of fairness," one wrote. "If he ascends to the District Court of Appeal, he cannot be replaced."
Jacobsen was described as detail-oriented, level-headed, intelligent and compassionate. "Wish we could clone him," said one lawyer.
"Does not want to be reversed; therefore, he works very hard to get it right so that reversal will not occur," another wrote.
Several people did voice some criticism of Jacobsen, accusing him of having a temper and being too light when dishing out sentences.
"Appears as though he is trying not to hurt a defendant's feelings," one wrote.
Jacobsen said he doesn't enjoy sentencing people to prison, but he follows the law.
He said it is rare for him to go below the state's sentencing guidelines, which show the lowest recommended sentence. "I very much try to follow the law in any sentencing."
Jacobsen, 58, earned his law degree from the University of Florida Law School in 1976.
Jacobsen spent about 20 years in private practice before being appointed by Gov. Lawton Chiles to the circuit bench in 1997.
He is up for election this year.
He and his wife, Chris, have two grown children. They live in Lakeland.
District: Circuit Judge
Comments
Article
By JASON GEARY
The Ledger
Circuit Judge Donald Jacobsen's thoughts about being a jurist are simple.
"The bottom line is to be consistent," Jacobsen said. "I try to consistently apply the law the best that I can."
Jacobsen has certainly been consistent when it comes to his results in The Ledger's survey of local lawyers. He has received the highest rating among his fellow circuit judges in the past six consecutive surveys.
Jacobsen, 56, has been on the circuit bench since 1997 when he was appointed by the late Gov. Lawton Chiles.
This year, Jacobsen secured an overall rating of 8.64 out of 10. His highest individual category was 8.71 for professional conduct and his lowest was 8.53 in written decisions.
In 2006, Jacobsen received an overall rating of 8.87, which is his highest overall rating since he began appearing on the survey in 1998.
The majority of lawyers continued this year to praise Jacobsen for his performance on the bench, using phrases like "simply the best," "treats everyone very respectfully," a "clear and reasoned thinker."
"The best of the best," one wrote. "(He is) very courteous to all litigants. Intelligent, works very hard, and always tries to do the right thing."
But some criticized Jacobsen for giving out "weak sentences" to defendants or being "too soft on repeat offenders."
"Thinks he's a social worker," one commented.
"Too liberal," another wrote. "(He is) visibly uncomfortable sentencing people to prison."
Jacobsen said he applies the law and determines appropriate punishments, including prison sentences, to fit the crimes.
"I don't think that I'll ever like sentencing somebody to prison," he said.
Jacobsen received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1973 and his law degree from the University of Florida Law School in 1976.
His current term expires in 2010.
He and his wife, Chris, have two children.
| 2008 Overall | Legal Ability | Communication Ability | Written Decisions | Professional Conduct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.64 | 8.69 | 8.63 | 8.53 | 8.71 |
Comments
Donald G. Jacobsen
A defendant's best friend! Knows the law, but too often rules with his heart.
A good lawyer who became a good judge.
A pleasure to appear in his court.
A truly outstanding judge!
Articulate, reserved, and compassionate.
At the top; He slid back on visibility outside of the courtroom.
Best judge. Can be overly cold.
Excellent judge, in any court.
Excellent judge; always prepared, always courteous, always fair.
Fair; nice guy.
He listens and then judges.
Level-headed; calm; judicial; clear and reasoned thinker; what a judge should be.
One of the best but can be slow.
Our best judge; truly first among equals.
Overly emotional; display of temper makes an unpleasant courtroom atmosphere; too soft on repeat offenders.
Personable, but emotional; as opposed to logical; wants to counsel defendants.
Pleasant and fair on the bench; defense oriented.
Simply the best.Solid performance month after month
Starting to become very temperamental which is interfering with his ability.
Still the best.
The best judge in the circuit, bar none.
The best of the best; very courteous to all litigants, intelligent, works very hard, and always tries to do the right thing.
Too liberal; visibly uncomfortable sentencing people to prison.
Treats everyone very respectfully.
Very professional.
Still the best on the bench.
Very professional--one of the best.
A defendant's best friend! Knows the law, but too often rules with his heart.
A good lawyer who became a good judge.
A pleasure to appear in his court.
A truly outstanding judge!
Articulate, reserved, and compassionate.
At the top; He slid back on visibility outside of the courtroom.
Best judge. Can be overly cold.
Excellent judge, in any court.
Excellent judge; always prepared, always courteous, always fair.
Fair; nice guy.
He listens and then judges.
Level-headed; calm; judicial; clear and reasoned thinker; what a judge should be.
One of the best but can be slow.
Our best judge; truly first among equals.
Overly emotional; display of temper makes an unpleasant courtroom atmosphere; too soft on repeat offenders.
Personable, but emotional; as opposed to logical; wants to counsel defendants.
Pleasant and fair on the bench; defense oriented.
Simply the best.Solid performance month after month
Starting to become very temperamental which is interfering with his ability.
Still the best.
The best judge in the circuit, bar none.
The best of the best; very courteous to all litigants, intelligent, works very hard, and always tries to do the right thing.
Too liberal; visibly uncomfortable sentencing people to prison.
Treats everyone very respectfully.
Very professional.
Still the best on the bench.
Very professional--one of the best.
Article
By JASON GEARY
The Ledger
Circuit Judge Donald Jacobsen's thoughts about being a jurist are simple.
"The bottom line is to be consistent," Jacobsen said. "I try to consistently apply the law the best that I can."
Jacobsen has certainly been consistent when it comes to his results in The Ledger's survey of local lawyers. He has received the highest rating among his fellow circuit judges in the past six consecutive surveys.
Jacobsen, 56, has been on the circuit bench since 1997 when he was appointed by the late Gov. Lawton Chiles.
This year, Jacobsen secured an overall rating of 8.64 out of 10. His highest individual category was 8.71 for professional conduct and his lowest was 8.53 in written decisions.
In 2006, Jacobsen received an overall rating of 8.87, which is his highest overall rating since he began appearing on the survey in 1998.
The majority of lawyers continued this year to praise Jacobsen for his performance on the bench, using phrases like "simply the best," "treats everyone very respectfully," a "clear and reasoned thinker."
"The best of the best," one wrote. "(He is) very courteous to all litigants. Intelligent, works very hard, and always tries to do the right thing."
But some criticized Jacobsen for giving out "weak sentences" to defendants or being "too soft on repeat offenders."
"Thinks he's a social worker," one commented.
"Too liberal," another wrote. "(He is) visibly uncomfortable sentencing people to prison."
Jacobsen said he applies the law and determines appropriate punishments, including prison sentences, to fit the crimes.
"I don't think that I'll ever like sentencing somebody to prison," he said.
Jacobsen received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1973 and his law degree from the University of Florida Law School in 1976.
His current term expires in 2010.
He and his wife, Chris, have two children.