Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips Issues Revised Administrative Order on the Use of AI in Court Filings

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Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips Issues Revised Administrative Order on the Use of AI in Court Filings

The 17th Judicial Circuit, in collaboration with the 11th Judicial Circuit, issued Administrative Orders on May 19th outlining the use of AI in the researching and drafting of legal documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs and other filings.

“The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit recognizes the importance of consistency and uniformity in the administration of justice concerning the disclosure of generative AI use in court filings and submissions, and issues this Administrative Order in coordination with the Administrative Order No. 26-15 issued by the Eleventh Judicial Circuit,” said Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips.

Read our Administrative Order on AI here.

by Sallie James — May 19, 2026 in Announcements

All Broward Courts Closed on Memorial Day

All Broward Courts will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. The affected courthouses include the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation and the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. All four courthouses will re-open on Tuesday.

by Sallie James — May 19, 2026 in Announcements

Welcoming the 2026 Summer College Interns to the 17th Judicial Circuit

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!

by Sallie James — May 14, 2026 in Announcements

County Commission Honors Judge Barner for Community Impact

In celebration of Haitian Heritage Month, the Broward County Commission on Tuesday honored Judge Florence Taylor Barner for her many contributions to the community and her dedicated service to the judiciary. Judge Barner made history as the first Haitian American woman elected judge in the State of Florida. She currently presides over Fort Lauderdale Community Court, one of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s innovative problem-solving courts, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on the community.

by Sallie James — May 13, 2026 in Announcements

New Exhibit Showcases Broward’s Judicial History

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.

by Sallie James — May 1, 2026 in Announcements

Judge Frink Featured Speaker at National Legal Conference

Judge Keathan B. Frink attended the American Bar Association Section of Litigation’s Annual Conference, held April 22–24, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. Serving as a Managing Director for the 2025–2026 Bar Year, Judge Frink joined leading litigators, professors, and judges from across the nation for high-level CLE programs, networking, and legal collaboration.

Judge Frink also spoke on the panel, The Role of State Courts in Protecting the Rule of Law, alongside Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook, Massachusetts Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, and New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Briana Zamora. We are so fortunate to have such great representation from the 17th Judicial Circuit! #17thjudteam

by Sallie James — April 30, 2026 in Announcements