All Posts in "Year: 2019"
The Opioid Crisis – Community Event
Sharon Press Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution Award Given to Program Director
Jeanne Potthoff was recognized at the 27th Annual Dispute Resolution Center conference on August 17 with the Dispute Resolution Center’s Sharon Press Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution Award for a person with visionary leadership, professional integrity, and unwavering devotion to the field of alternative dispute resolution.
Jeanne was involved in the implementation of the first dependency mediation program for the circuit as well as managing the instant family mediation grant in the early 2000’s. In 2003, Jeanne was selected by Sharon Press to participate with the group of coordinators and directors who provided input to OSCA for implementation of the programs under the state. Jeanne serves on the ADR Rules and Policy committee including a few subcommittees. One subcommittee, the On-line Dispute Resolution subcommittee provides input and guidelines for On-line Dispute Resolution pilot projects. The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit has been selected as one of six pilot sites.
Congratulations Jeanne!
Hollywood Municipal Ordinance Diversion Program in South Satellite Courthouse
This year, the Hollywood Municipal Ordinance Diversion Program began in Judge Cawthon’s division at the South Satellite Courthouse, and the first 3 program graduates completed the program last week! The diversion program is aimed at addressing the needs of the homeless and low-level first time and repeat offenders who have been charged with municipal ordinance violations. Individuals who are eligible for the diversion program must comply with all program requirements, including active participation in community programs aimed at addressing each individual’s specific needs, such as housing assistance, substance abuse, job training, etc. This type of program encourages individuals with chronic issues to take control of their lives and overcome their problems, ultimately improving both the individuals’ lives and the quality of life in the surrounding community.
The first time graduates were presented with a certificate of completion and had their cases dismissed by the Hollywood City Prosecutor.
Fifth Annual Trial Advocacy Summer Institute Held at Central Courthouse
Nova Southeastern University and the NSU Trial Association at the Shepard Broad College of Law held their Fifth Annual Trial Advocacy Summer Institute (TASI) on August 9, 2019, with sixty four law students participating. Leading up to the final trials on Friday, several local trial attorneys and Judge Diaz taught trial skills to the students throughout the week. During final trials, close to 100 local attorneys served as jurors and ten county and circuit court judges presided.
Judges Participate in CLE Course Panel
The Broward County Bar Association hosted a continuing legal education course last Friday regarding the Mission United Veterans Pro Bono Legal Project. The lunchtime crowd heard from a panel of speakers about the program, including the Seventeenth Circuit’s Judge Usan and Judge Alspector.
