This website and all of the content on it are Copyright 2009-2011 Dineen Pashoukos Wasylik, unless otherwise indicated. No claim of copyright is made for U.S. Government or State of Florida works.
I am lucky to live in a state where the legislature has declared that most of the state government’s works are dedicated to the public domain. The “Sunshine State” refers not only to our glorious Florida weather, but also to the state’s open record policy, set out in the state constitution and implimenting statutes. The Second DCA has stated that these public record laws forbid state agencies to claim or enforce copyright in state works. Microdecisions Inc., v. Skinner, 889 So.2d 871 (Fla. 2d DCA 2004) [.pdf]. Thus, most pictures of judges and courthouses, as well as the court maps, are utilized on the understanding that they are state-owned works exempt from copyright by state law. And alternatively, the use is fair.
The remaining photographs and illustrations come from either public domain sources or are used under license. I am particularly thankful to the strong community at Flickr.com that has dedicated so many fantastic photographs to licensed use with limited conditions.
I’ve made every effort to comply with terms of the copyrights laws and with copyright owner’s wishes. If you have reason to think otherwise, please let me know at copyright at FloridaAppellate dot com and I will work with you to solve the problem amicably. Yes, there are lawyers who do that!