'A legal giant': North Florida circuit Judge Kevin Carroll dies
Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll, described by colleagues as a well-tempered "legal giant" who spent more than a decade on the bench, died of apparent natural causes on Wednesday. He was 67.
The 2nd Judicial Circuit, in a short statement Thursday, said it was "deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our cherished colleague and friend."
"A public servant of the highest order, Judge Carroll served this community as a judge for more than 12 years and as a lawyer for 40 years," the court said. "The 2nd Judicial Circuit extends their heartfelt condolences to Judge Carroll’s family and friends. The 2nd Judicial Circuit will continue to serve the people of this community that Judge Carroll loved with unending enthusiasm.”
Word of Carroll's death spread quickly through the legal community, prompting expressions of sorrow and gratitude for his service. Tallahassee attorney Don Hinkle called him a “legal giant.”
"He was the consummate professional, considerate of the jury and litigants, decisive and always right on the law," Hinkle said in an email. "I've been before a hundred judges in my time but none better than Kevin Carroll."
Carroll, who graduated from Auburn University and earned a law degree at the University of Mississippi, worked as a trial lawyer for many years at the Ausley McMullen firm. He was appointed to the bench in 2011 by then-Gov. Rick Scott after Circuit Judge N. Sanders Sauls retired.
He won election in 2014 and re-election in 2020, both times without opposition. His successor will be chosen by the governor. The seat could appear on ballots in 2024, depending on the timing of the appointment.
Fred Conrad, a local criminal defense lawyer and friend of the late judge, said Carroll was down-to-earth, jovial and respectful to everyone in the courtroom. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a devout Christian and huge Auburn fan.
Conrad said Carroll told him about his appointment to the bench shortly after he got the phone call from Gov. Scott. He said Carroll was “so giddy and humbled” by the appointment and promised the governor he wouldn’t let him down.
“He certainly kept his promise because he was a very good judge,” Conrad said. “He had the temperament that every judge should aspire to have.”
DuBose "Duby" Ausley, shareholder in Ausley McMullen, described Carroll as a good friend, lawyer and judge.
"He had a basic common sense and a very good understanding of the law and a good feel for people, which made him a good trial lawyer," Ausley said.
Carroll presided over a number of high-profile state government disputes and other civil and criminal matters over the course of his judicial career. In April 2020, early in the pandemic, he made headlines after dismissing a lawsuit seeking to force Gov. Ron DeSantis to close Florida's beaches, saying he didn't have the authority to second guess the governor.
Tallahassee attorney Hal Lewis, reacting to news of his death on Twitter, called Carroll “a great judge and a better person.”
"I tried cases against him and in front of him, and his ethics were the highest," Lewis said. "He will be missed."
Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com and follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida 2nd Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll dies; hailed as 'legal giant'
