The 17th Judicial Circuit proudly welcomed its 2026 summer interns earlier this month. Judge Jackie Powell, liaison for the summer intern program, joined Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Judges Betsy Benson and Florence Taylor Barner, and Braulio Rosa, Executive Director of the BCBA, in greeting the students on their first day.

Throughout the summer, the interns will gain valuable hands-on experience through judicial assignments, tours of the jail and crime lab, Q&A sessions with judges from various divisions, and weekly Wednesday Lunch & Learn programs with members of the local legal community.

An exciting and educational summer ahead for these future legal professionals!

A remarkable chapter of Broward history is now on display. “Justice from the Sea to the Sawgrass,” A History of the Broward County Judiciary, was unveiled April 30 at the New River Inn in Fort Lauderdale during a private preview for sitting and retired judges.

Created and curated by retired Judge Robert W. Lee, the three-room exhibit chronicles the evolution of Broward’s court system from 1915 to the present day. Visitors can explore a slideshow on the Broward state court judiciary from 1915 to 1973; 12 historical panels tracing the American judicial system from 1776 to today in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday; and displays highlighting landmark cases including Anna Nicole Smith and Bush v. Gore, which brought Broward County into the national spotlight.

The exhibit also features a gallery of portraits and photographs honoring selected judges, along with vintage election memorabilia and artifacts from the 1928 courthouse.

The public is invited to visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through May 30 at the New River Inn, 231 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

Nearly 70 children joined us for Take Your Child to Work Day at the Broward County Courthouse, enjoying a day packed with hands-on learning and fun.

From participating in a mock trial to tackling a tricky math game and sharpening their observation skills with a wild video challenge, the students got an inside look at how the courthouse works. They also met several judges and didn’t hesitate to ask plenty of thoughtful questions about the judiciary.

The excitement continued with therapy dog visits — including a goldendoodle and a golden retriever — a chance to explore a Broward Sheriff’s Office SWAT truck, and a loud, high-energy Jeopardy!-style game that had everyone cheering as students competed against one another.

It was a lively, memorable day that gave these young visitors a meaningful glimpse into the justice system. Each child also left with a certificate of participation and a Pocket Constitution to remember their day. Many thanks to all the judges and staff that made this special day such a success! #17thjudteam

Approximately 15 family law attorneys attended Wednesday’s Broward Bar Brown Bag Lunch in Courtroom 9165 to learn about the new Family Court Services (FCS) program and the range of services it offers. The discussion covered how referrals to outside agencies work, the role insurance plays in securing care, and what attorneys can expect when cases are referred to FCS.

Judge Lauren M. Alperstein led the session, joined by FCS Manager Diane St. Amand-Scott, Investigator Andres Gironza, Navigator Ahnia Smith, and Administrative Assistant Guilia D’Agostino. Attendees asked thoughtful questions about how the program operates and what costs may be involved.

Launched in January, the program was created to improve conflict resolution and provide support services to families.