Announcements
The Seventeenth Circuit is accepting proposals from court reporting firms interested in providing digital court reporting services funded at public expense for court proceedings in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Click here for more information.
In early October, Chief Judge Jack Tuter installed the new President of the Broward County Women Lawyers Association (BCWLA), Vivian Fazio, and the Board of Directors at the Lauderdale Yacht Club. The “Pink Installation,” honored Breast Cancer Survivors. There were several judges, lawyers and breast cancer survivors in attendance.
On Friday, representatives of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit and its community and justice system partners signed a collaborative agreement thereby establishing a new felony mental health court diversion program. It is designed to divert eligible individuals experiencing serious mental illnesses or co-occurring serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders away from the criminal justice system and into comprehensive community-based treatment and support services, while at the same time protecting public safety.
Signatories to the agreement include the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit through Chief Judge Jack Tuter and the Trial Court Administrator, the State Attorney and Public Defender, the Sheriff and local law enforcement agencies, behavioral health specialists, and local and state government leaders.
Court Bailiff Roger DeHart is set to walk again for his cause, this time in Houston, Texas. Roger formed First Stop, Inc., to help raise awareness of human trafficking. He has trekked from Fort Lauderdale to Washington, D.C., and along the Pacific coast in California.
Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren has authored a chapter in a new publication released by the American Bar Association titled Suicide and its Impact on the Criminal Justice System. The book’s description reads, “In this seminal work, the authors enlist the insights of academic specialists, professionals within the criminal justice system, and individuals who have served time to bring voice to the subject of suicide within the criminal justice system.” Judge Lerner-Wren discusses Broward County’s Misdemeanor Mental Health Court and the integration of suicide prevention into court process.
On September 23, 2021, Judge Carlos S. Rebollo was featured as part of a statewide coalition of voluntary bar associations recognizing Hispanic jurists. The event, “The Florida Jurist: Recognizing Hispanic Excellence,” was led by the Broward County Bar Association and supported by several other voluntary bar associations.
Chief Judge Jack Tuter and Judge Kenneth L. Gillespie Recognized by the Broward County Bar Association
On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the Broward County Bar Association hosted its 2021 Annual Installation Dinner & Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. During the induction of the 2021-2022 Officers & Directors of the Broward County Bar Association & Young Lawyers Section, the Broward Bar recognized Chief Judge Jack Tuter and Judge Kenneth L. Gillespie for their tireless judicial service. Chief Judge Tuter was presented with the President’s Award, and Judge Gillespie was awarded the Stephen Booher Award which recognizes jurists who display humanity, integrity, and dedication to the Bench, Bar, and Community. Both awards were presented by outgoing BCBA President Robert C.L. Vaughan.
Congratulations Chief Judge Tuter and Judge Gillespie!
The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit hosted another successful driver license clinic in September, setting up resources in and around the central courthouse to assist county residents with suspended licenses. For those who could not get their licenses reinstated the day of the clinic, they were given information on what was needed to get a reinstatement.
The Circuit began hosting these clinics in 2017, to make it an easy one-stop shop (for many) to get driving privileges restored.
Earlier this week, Judge Andrea Ruth Gundersen had the honor and privilege of administering
the Oath of Attorney for The Florida Bar to Theodore Avi Weiss, Esq. Also present were
Theodore’s mother, and father, David Weiss, Esq.
