Students from Attucks Middle School in Hollywood visited Drug Court this week, where they learned about this problem-solving court and its mission to help participants address substance abuse issues and become productive, successful members of society.

Drug Court staff spoke with the students about the dangers of drug use, how the risks are amplified by the widespread presence of fentanyl, and the steps they can take to avoid addiction and make healthy choices. Students also learned about Narcan and how it can save a life during a drug-induced emergency.

Our Drug Court is one of only 10 nationally recognized mentor courts, a distinction that reflects the exceptional work accomplished by Judge Michael Davis and the Drug Court team.

The students’ visit was especially timely, as May is recognized as Problem-Solving Courts Month in Florida.

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.