On December 9, 2020 the Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in Suzuki Motor Corporation vs. Scott Winkler to address whether “Apex Doctrine” protections should be applied to the private sector

On December 9, 2020 the Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in Suzuki Motor Corporation vs. Scott Winkler to address whether “Apex Doctrine” protections should be applied to the private sector. The Apex Doctrine is a legal premise whereby high level government officials may not be deposed unless and until the party seeking the deposition has shown the information is not available by other means. In Florida, the Apex Doctrine has not been applied to high level officers or directors in the private sector. If the court extends the doctrine to the private sector, there will be more protections to prevent the depositions of high level corporate officers and directors. Boyd Richards Appellate Partner, Elaine Walter, co-authored an amicus brief discussing that the Apex Doctrine should apply to both the public and private sector in Florida, as it is in the Federal courts. The brief was filed on behalf of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association. To view the Court’s online docket for Suzuki Motor Corporation vs. Scott Winkler click here.