In a case that could alter the future of Florida’s highest court, Gov. Rick Scott reasserted his right to appoint three new justices to the state Supreme Court before he leaves office in January.

Responding to a lawsuit asking the Florida Supreme Court to intervene, Scott’s lawyers said the governor retains the power to select replacements for Justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis and Peggy Quince, who are all leaving the court in early January because they have reached the mandatory retirement age.