ACLJ Disappointed by Florida Court Order Denying Intervention for Parents of Terri Schindler Schiavo in Case to Defend `Terri's Law'.

Business Editors

CLEARWATER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2004

The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm specializing in constitutional law, said today it is disappointed that a Florida state court has once again denied a motion to intervene on behalf of Robert and Mary Schindler - the parents of Terri Schindler Schiavo - to permit the parents to become directly involved in defending "Terri's Law" - legislation that cleared the way for Florida Governor Jeb Bush to restore life-saving measures to Terri Schindler Schiavo.

"We are disappointed with the decision and will consider all options including another appeal to Florida's 2nd District Court of Appeal, which has previously overturned Judge Baird on this very issue," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ, which represents the Schindlers in the state case. "It is our belief that the decision is legally flawed and ignores the fact that the parents have legally sound reasons for intervening directly in this case. The court failed to acknowledge that the Schindlers meet the proper legal standard for intervention. The decision is not only disappointing, but troubling as well."

The ACLJ filed a renewed motion on March 4th in Florida court on behalf of the Schindlers asking the court to abide by the February 13th findings of the 2nd District Court of Appeal, which concluded Pinellas Circuit Court Judge W. Douglas Baird did not follow judicial rules when he denied an ACLJ motion to intervene on behalf of the Schindlers in November 2003. The appeals court ruled that Judge Baird's order be reversed and sent the case back to him "for further proceedings." And, today, Judge Baird denied the March 4th motion to intervene.

The ACLJ contends that the Schindlers must be permitted to intervene in the case - to take a direct and active role in defending "Terri's Law" - a law that is at the center of keeping their daughter alive. The ACLJ contends that Florida case law unambiguously supports granting intervention to the parents of an incapacitated patient in a proceeding determining the continuation or termination of the life of the patient who is their daughter.

Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, wants Terri's feeding and hydration tubes removed. He filed suit challenging the constitutionality of "Terri's Law" and has the support of the ACLU.

The ACLJ is representing the Schindlers in Schiavo v. Bush - the legal challenge to the constitutionality of the actions of the Governor and state legislature.

Patricia Fields Anderson, an attorney in St. Petersburg, serves as ACLJ local counsel in Schiavo v. Bush and represents Terri's parents in all other aspects of the Schiavo case.

The American Center for Law and Justice is an international public interest law firm specializing in constitutional law and the protection of human life. The ACLJ is based in Washington, D.C. and its web site address is www.aclj.org.