The Florida Supreme Court is considering how far the state can go in using its Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act, a law typically used to prosecute organized, ongoing crime. At the center of the case is a simple question: Does RICO apply only when multiple people work together in a shared illegal scheme, or can it also apply to an individual acting within a system? Biola University alumnus Jason Muehlhoff (B.A. ’16), equipped with his degree in political science and his heart aligned with his faith in Jesus Christ, argued this question in front of the Florida Supreme Court on behalf of the State of Florida on March 5.

Muehlhoff serves as the Chief Deputy Solicitor General for the State of Florida. Last year, he helped draft a Supreme Court amicus brief on behalf of Florida and 17 other states in support of a private Christian high school that was denied the opportunity to publicly pray before the state football championship. The brief argued that public prayer has a long and storied tradition in the United States and that the Supreme Court's decision denying the school's request was wrongly decided and should be overturned.

The alumnus has found himself as a clerk in the U.S. courts in Washington, D.C., an associate at a prestigious law firm in Texas, and now a representative of the state of Florida since leaving Biola. Before graduating with Honors and earning his Doctor of Law degree from Harvard Law School, he developed a firm foundation in political science and theology at Biola during his undergraduate studies.

“The political science program was incredibly formative to developing my worldview, especially as it relates to law, politics and what it means for a society to flourish,” said Muehlhoff. “Being able to wrestle with these big questions alongside Christian professors and classmates helped me not only refine my views but deepen my convictions about what it means to impact law and society in a way that honors Christ and advances his kingdom.”

Not only was Muehlhoff well-equipped to enter the legal field, but he also became a more faithful follower of Jesus through his study of the Bible at Biola.

“The Bible minor was foundational to my growth as a believer. My knowledge and understanding of God deepened, which naturally led to me to loving him more and want to be more faithful in my life,” said Muehlhoff.

Muehlhoff’s bold integration of his Christian faith into his career is evident in his drawing on Scripture and God’s heart for people in his public defenses.

“In particular, a proper understanding of the doctrine of man and what it means to be human has been crucial for me in fighting for virtuous policies and positions in the public square,” said Muehlhoff. “So many of the destructive ideologies of the day, like abortion and transgenderism, stem from a fundamental rejection of the limits God placed on man and what it means to be human, and having a proper view of man helps give clarity and conviction for me in this fight.”

In and out of the classroom, Muehlhoff recognized that his faith was deepening through his interactions with classmates and professors at Biola.

“I am deeply grateful for my time at Biola and for having the opportunity to spend my formative years in a comprehensively Christian environment,” said Muehlhoff. “Living alongside friends who were running after the Lord, and imitating mentors who were actively exemplifying Godly virtues, was such an encouragement and deepened my faith.”

Government is a God-ordained instrument for promoting justice and serving the common good. In Biola’s political science major in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, students develop a solid grasp of government, law, history, international relations and the role of religion in public life. Join Biola’s community of Christian students by learning more and applying today. Applications for Fall 2026 are still being accepted.

Written by Sarah Dougher, strategic communication manager. For more information, email sarah.m.dougher@biola.edu.