High court denies governor's bid for grand jury

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- The Florida Supreme Court is denying a request by Gov. Charlie Crist to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate public corruption.

In a 6-1 decision, the court said Monday that the governor's petition did not meet the minimum allegations required by statute and did failed to specify general crimes and whether the crimes are of a widespread nature. Justice Charles Canady was the lone dissenter.

The governor, however, can file another request with more detail in hopes of winning the court's approval.

Crist made the request in October, claiming that a rash of crimes in South Florida prompted his petition for the purpose of investigating, and indicting, if necessary, crooked public officials.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)