Bush V. Gore Understanding the American Legal System

HIGHLIGHTS OF ELECTION 2000 November 7:Election Day. A few states are left "too close to call," most notably Florida with 25 electoral votes that would probably swing the election to Bush or Gore. November 8:Because the vote in Florida is so close, Florida law requires a recount, which narrows Bush's margin of victory to a few hundred. This, in turn, puts the accuracy of the Florida tabulations under severe scrutiny. Soon Gore, the Democratic Party, and Gore supporters seek manual recounts of key southeast counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach in particular) since several thousand undervotes (ballots on which the machines find no presidential vote) have not been included in the tabulations. November 14:This is the day when the Florida Secretary of State, Katherine Hams, a strong Bush supporter, is supposed to certify the electors. The Florida Supreme Court, however, steps in at the last moment and extends the time period for certification. November 26:The Secretary of State certifies the election results in favor of Bush, but numerous lawsuits continue. The Secretary of State certification does not include a recount from Palm Beach County because the County fails to meet the S p.m. deadline. Meanwhile, Bush appeals the Florida Supreme Court's decision to the United States Supreme Court. December 4:Judge Sauls of the Florida Circuit Court finds that Gore has not met his burden of proof in his lawsuit asking for a recount of 9,000 Miami-Dade undervotes. Gore immediately appeals the case to the Florida Supreme Court. December 8:Florida Supreme Court remands the case to Sauls for a new decision in line with their "intent of the voter" test of the vote count. Judge Sauls recuses himself. December 9:Bush's request for a stay of the Florida order is granted by the United States Supreme Court, which sets the submission of briefs for December 10 and oral argument for December 11. December 12:This is the day set by the United States Code for the certification of electors to ensure acceptance by the United States Senate. On this day, the United States Supreme Court issues its final opinion, effectively ending the critical lawsuits and guaranteeing a Bush victory. December 13:Gore concedes. December 18:Electors across the country cast their votes. Florida casts its votes for Bush, certified by the Secretary of State and the Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, the brother of now presumed President-Elect George W. Bush. January 6, 2001:A1 Gore, Vice President and President of the Senate, receives the votes and declares George W. Bush the winner. January 20:George W. Bush is sworn in as President of the United States.Pyle, Ransford C. is the author of 'Bush V. Gore Understanding the American Legal System' with ISBN 9780929563664 and ISBN 0929563662.