Students from Franklin’s Academy spent the morning inside the courthouse, getting a firsthand look at the justice system in action

From observing live court proceedings to exploring the jury room, students experienced how the courts operate beyond what they see in textbooks. A highlight of the visit was the “Clothing Closet,” where they met Marie Alvarez Ortiz and learned how the donation-based boutique helps families and youth involved in the court system access professional attire for job interviews, community service, and special occasions.

The students also had the opportunity to meet Judge Elijah H. Williams, who explained how juvenile court works, and Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo, who shared her journey to the bench. She even invited students to sit in the jury box, take the witness stand, and try on a judge’s robe, giving them a memorable glimpse into life in the courtroom.

The visit wrapped up with Assistant Public Defender Ana Roditi, who discussed the vital role public defenders play in ensuring access to justice for all. Hands on learning is the best! #17thJudTeam

Participate in a mock trial, play a math game, discover why perception matters, try on a judge’s robe, bang the gavel, listen to testimony, take photos from the bench, wear a bailiff’s jacket.
Those are just a few things that students from Oriole Elementary in Lauderdale Lakes experienced during a courthouse tour this week. They also met Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Kenneth R. Gillespie and Community Outreach Coordinator Janelle Floyd from the Broward Public Defender’s Office.
The 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are participants in the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project mentoring program.
Hands-on learning is the best! #17thjudteam

Judge Jeremy I. Franker, the 17th Judicial Circuit’s newest county court judge, was sworn into office today. He will preside at the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood.

Judge Franker joins the 17th Judicial Circuit from the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served as Deputy Director of Joint Task Force Vulcan, leading a national prosecution team targeting foreign terrorist organizations, including Tren de Aragua (TdA) and MS-13.

During his seven years with the Department of Justice, Judge Franker prosecuted complex organized crime and racketeering cases with the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. In addition to Florida, he has tried federal cases in Alaska, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.

Before joining the DOJ, Judge Franker spent seven years as a Statewide Prosecutor with the Florida Attorney General’s Office and began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami.

We are delighted to welcome Judge Franker to the 17th Judicial Circuit team.

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the launch of its new Family Court Services (FCS) program this week with a formal kickoff event that drew about 70 attendees, including sitting and retired judges, attorneys, service providers and case managers.

The FCS program is designed to connect individuals involved in family litigation with appropriate therapeutic resources while also helping ensure compliance with court orders. The initiative aims to improve conflict resolution and provide meaningful support services to families, with special sensitivity to the needs of children.

Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, along with Judges Lauren M. Alperstein and Hope Tieman Bristol, joined Nan Rich of the Broward County Commission in speaking at the event, highlighting the importance of collaboration in helping families navigate the court system and access the services they need.