On Friday, February 19, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court held its annual robing ceremony, honoring Broward County’s newly appointed judges to the bench. Four new judges participated in the symbolic event in which each is administered their “judicial oath” in front of gathered family and friends. Pictured, from left to right are: Circuit Judge Ernest A. Kollra, Jr.; County Judge Stephen J. Zaccor; County Judge Nina W. Di Pietro; Circuit Judge Alberto Ribas, Jr.

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, who presides over Broward County’s misdemeanor mental health court, has been appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. As the sole judicial representative on a national committee comprised of industry CEOs, members of congress, federal agencies, and more, Judge Lerner-Wren will help lead and advance suicide prevention awareness, and promote evidence-based strategies to improve mental health and wellness throughout our nation’s court systems.

The Action Alliance, established in 2010, is a public-private partnership advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Part of the organization’s approach is to influence systems changes and target certain vulnerable populations who are at higher risk.

“I believe this is a great opportunity to engage our nation’s problem solving court judges to advance suicide prevention and education as an urgent matter of public health and therapeutic justice,” said Judge Lerner-Wren. 

Governor Rick Scott has appointed attorneys Ernest A. Kollra, Jr. and Alberto Ribas, Jr. to fill two judicial vacancies in the circuit court of the 17th Judicial Circuit. Both new judges will be sworn in at the 2016 Judicial Robing Ceremony, Friday, February 19 at 1:00pm in the Central Courthouse Jury Room. Their official start dates have yet to be determined. 

Congratulations and welcome to the bench, Judge Kollra and Judge Ribas! 

The 17th Judicial Circuit wishes to congratulate Judge Jack Tuter who was named the civil trial judge of the year by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Fort Lauderdale Chapter. This prestegious honor was given at ABOTA’s annual Judge’s Night Dinner in January. 

​ABOTA’s mission is to uphold the jury system by educating the American public about the history and value of the right to trial by jury.​

We are very proud of Judge Tuter for receiving this special recognition!

As part of a recycling campaign in anticipation of the move into the new courthouse, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court is clearing out shelves of old law books, and making them available to the public for free. Located in the 1st floor lobby area of the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the books may be picked up during regular courthouse business hours. The variety of different types of books can make for interesting reading for some, though the community is reminded that the books are obsolete, and may not accurately state current law, nor should they be used as such.