DeSantis Enforces Legal Protection of Board Members From Brutal Disney Investigation

Comments for DeSantis Enforces Legal Protection of Board Members From Brutal Disney Investigation

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis smiling and waiving in front of the former Reedy Creek building as Mickey Mouse looks on in shock.

Image Credit: Inside The Magic

21 Comments

  1. Apparently the governor and his appointees must have much to hide. They have not abided by our Florida Sunshine Laws in the past and have no reason to abide by the law now. The current administration will continue to hide all public records under the protection of governor. This is why the taxpayers of Florida are footing millions of dollars in legal fees for Desantis.

  2. Zed

    When did depositions, a regular and accepted practice become brutal investigations? This appears to be an attempt by DeSantis to block an incriminating details from being exposed. He is a tyrant.

    1. Vandy

      ZED is correct

  3. Vandy

    Zed is corect !

  4. Don Marshall

    The strategic implementation of the apex doctrine by Governor Ron DeSantis, aimed at protecting senior executive government board officials from depositions in the legal dispute between the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) and The Walt Disney Company, is not only legally sound but fundamentally rooted in the principles of civil procedure that govern such interactions. This approach underscores a meticulous adherence to safeguarding the sanctity of high-level governmental roles from potentially unwarranted legal entanglements. The conclusion is drawn that Governor DeSantis’s use of the apex doctrine will be successful, as it aligns with the doctrine’s intended purpose and application within the legal framework.

    The apex doctrine is a legal principle designed to prevent high-level corporate or government officials from being deposed, unless it is demonstrated that they have unique, personal knowledge of the facts at issue in the case, and that this information cannot be obtained through other, less intrusive means. The doctrine stipulates a preference for alternative discovery methods over the direct deposition of top-tier officials, aiming to avoid undue burden or harassment that could arise from such proceedings.

    In the context of the ongoing legal dispute, the CFTOD, under Governor DeSantis’s directive, has invoked the apex doctrine to shield its board members from depositions by Disney. The facts clearly demonstrate that each board member has submitted affidavits affirming their lack of unique, personal knowledge regarding the issues being litigated. This satisfies the initial requirement of the apex doctrine, establishing a prima facie case for its application.

    Furthermore, Disney’s inability to articulate concrete reasons or provide evidence showing that these high-level government officers possess essential information, which cannot be obtained through other discovery methods, bolsters the argument for applying the apex doctrine. The legal framework surrounding this doctrine emphasizes the necessity of exhausting alternative discovery avenues before resorting to the deposition of apex officials. The absence of such exhaustive efforts by Disney further justifies the protective measures sought by the CFTOD.

    Moreover, the overarching legal principle that bars general depositions of government executives unless specific criteria are met is intended to preserve the functionality and integrity of governmental operations. Allowing unrestricted depositions could deter qualified individuals from public service due to the potential for legal harassment, thus undermining public interest.

    Governor DeSantis’s deployment of the apex doctrine in this legal battle is not only a testament to his legal acumen but also a demonstration of his commitment to protecting the interests and integrity of high-level government officials within the framework of Florida’s legal system. Given the doctrine’s clear stipulations and the presented facts, there is a strong legal basis to support the conclusion that Governor DeSantis’s use of the apex doctrine will be successful. This approach rightly prioritizes the procurement of information through less intrusive means, ensuring that depositions are reserved for instances where they are unequivocally necessary. Therefore, the use of the apex doctrine in this context is not just legally correct but imperative for the preservation of governmental functionality and the principle of minimally invasive discovery. Governor DeSantis and the CFTOD Board will be successful in this motion to quash the depositions.

    1. Kungaloosh

      This looks like it was written by ChatGPT or some other form of AI.

      1. Don Marshall

        Nope. I am a 3rd year law student and have a master in public administration.

        1. Kungaloosh

          How wonderful. For future reference, the proper spelling is “you’re welcome”…not “your welcome.” #YoureWelcome

  5. Don Marshall

    Governor Ron DeSantis’s strategic application of the apex doctrine in the dispute between the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) and Disney is legally robust and aligns with the doctrine’s purpose to protect senior executives from undue legal burdens. The apex doctrine, designed to shield top officials from depositions unless they possess unique, relevant knowledge not obtainable elsewhere, has been aptly invoked here. Board members under DeSantis’s directive have provided affidavits confirming their lack of direct knowledge on the litigated issues, meeting the doctrine’s criteria. Disney’s failure to demonstrate the necessity of deposing these apex officials, alongside a lack of effort in pursuing alternative discovery methods, further strengthens the CFTOD’s position.

    This application of the apex doctrine serves not only to protect high-ranking officials from unnecessary legal entanglements but also to uphold the integrity of governmental operations by prioritizing less intrusive information-gathering methods. The legal principles at play here ensure that depositions of government executives are a last resort, safeguarding the effectiveness and attractiveness of public service roles. In summary, DeSantis’s use of the apex doctrine is legally sound, strategically prudent, and in line with both the doctrine’s intent and the public interest, making its success in this context highly probable.

    1. Keith Schrod

      Thanks Don. Very clear.

      1. Don Marshall

        Your welcome. Have a MAGICAL DAY!

    2. AI

      Ok AI bot

      1. Don Marshall

        It is indeed delightful to observe that, rather than furnishing a meticulously crafted counterargument to elucidate the potential pitfalls in the defendant’s motion to quash, a choice was made to attribute the opposition’s perspective to an AI bot. This unconventional approach, I must concede, has been interpreted as an unintended commendation of the depth of analytical reasoning, the profound understanding of legal principles, and the superior quality of writing that was ostensibly absent in the retort provided. Such an interpretation, while flattering, underscores a unique approach to legal discourse, reflecting an innovative, albeit indirect, acknowledgment of the caliber expected at this level of scholarly engagement.

        Have a MAGICAL DAY.

        1. Kungaloosh

          It is indeed delightful to observe that the wording of this response adds credence to the opposition’s viewpoint.

      2. Don Marshall

        It is indeed delightful to observe that, rather than furnishing a meticulously crafted counterargument to elucidate the potential pitfalls in the defendant’s motion to quash, a choice was made to attribute the opposition’s perspective to an AI bot. This unconventional approach, I must concede, has been interpreted as an unintended commendation of the depth of analytical reasoning, the profound understanding of legal principles, and the superior quality of writing that was ostensibly absent in the retort provided. Such an interpretation, while flattering, underscores a unique approach to legal discourse, reflecting an innovative, albeit indirect, acknowledgment of the caliber expected at this level of scholarly engagement.

  6. Jason

    I don’t fully comprehend the need for this apex doctrine but it seems like a way for rich or powerful people to legally be above the law. No one is that important.

    1. Don Marshall

      The goal is to stop top leaders of businesses and governments, who don’t handle daily tasks, from having to spend a lot of time being questioned in depositions when they really don’t have any special information. This can be found through documents or asking lower-level workers. This helps avoid pointless and lengthy questioning of busy executives. For example, think about someone who got hurt by tripping at Disney World and wants to sue Disney for not fixing a cracked sidewalk. They’re a big fan of Disney and ask to question Bob Iger, the big boss of Disney, to find out Disney’s rules on fixing sidewalks. But, this information can be easily found in written policies or by checking emails and messages to see if Iger knew about the broken sidewalk. There’s no need to make Iger go through a deposition. The true reason for wanting Iger there could be just to meet him if they like how he runs Disney, or to embarrass him with personal questions if they don’t. Either way, it’s a waste of Iger’s time, which could be better spent leading Disney.

    2. Joe

      The CFTOD has deliberately and repeatedly slow rolled document, internal email and phone record requests from Disney’s attorneys. This is a necessary and perfectly legal request that DeSantis and the CFTOD has ignored. Why is it that in a society of laws, only certain members of the population have to live by them and the rich and powerful always find a way to skirt the responsibility and never pay the consequences?

      1. Don Marshall

        If that is accurate, then Disney could file a motion to compel. If granted and Florida and the CFTOD still fail to comply then Disney could file a motion to have the plaintiff held in contempt. If the court found the state in contempt, the sanctions could include summary judgement or partial SMJ in favor of Disney. At which point, the depositors would still not be needed.

  7. D. Heusing

    The issue is a vindictive lawyer governor who forgot his bill of rights on free speech. Disney has done more for the development of the State of Florida then he or any governor in recent times. The tourism industry that drives the state economy keeps the taxes down for the people that live here.
    Seems to me that the self governing privilege recently given to Universal should also be void. Since they’re located in Central Florida they should also fall under the CFTOD. Sounds like political BS. There are hundreds more self governing entities in Florida.
    Put the self governing issue, abortion issue, and the don’t say gay issue on the November ballot and let the people decide.. Majority wins.
    Seems like alot of lawyers are getting richer at taxpayers expense. That’s why I’m an independent conservative.

    1. Don Marshall

      I agree the CFTOD should control all public property between Disney, Universal, and Sea World. I-4 is a nightmare. They could build roads connecting the three directly and reduce traffic for the locals. The roads should have very limited access.

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