Case ID: so2d_400/html/0110-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "PER CURIAM.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

CROWN TRADING COMPANY, Appellant, v. SYSTEMS FOR SECURITY, INC., Appellee.
    No. 80-677.
    District Court of Appeal of Florida, Third District.
    June 16, 1981.
    Rehearing Denied July 10, 1981.
    Carey, Dwyer, Cole, Selwood & Bernard and Michael C. Spring, Steven R. Berger, Miami, for appellant.
    George, Hartz & McNary and Scott McNary, Miami, for appellee.
    Before HENDRY, NESBITT and BAS-KIN, JJ.
   PER CURIAM.

We reverse on the ground that dismissal of the suit for failure of plaintiff’s counsel to proceed with trial at the scheduled time imposes too harsh a penalty upon the litigant where said counsel moved for a continuance on the basis of a conflicting trial, and the record lacks any evidence showing a willful or blatant disregard for the court’s authority. The court may, of course, discipline the offending attorney by contempt or other appropriate punishment. Catogas v. Sapp, 397 So.2d 1182 (Fla. 3d DCA 1981); Alter v. Editorial Planeta, S.A., 389 So.2d 321 (Fla. 3d DCA 1980).

Reversed and remanded.