Congratulations to Judge William Haury who was named the civil trial judge of the year by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Fort Lauderdale Chapter at their annual Judge’s Night Dinner on January 16, 2015. ​Last year’s recipient of this prestigious award was Judge Carlos Rodriguez. 

​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.​

The 17th Judicial Circuit is extremely proud of our judges receiving this special recognition!

On Friday, January 16, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court held its annual robing ceremony, honoring Broward County’s newly elected or appointed judges to the bench. Six brand new judges and one former county judge who was appointed to a circuit seat 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 Dennis D. Bailey; Circuit Judge Stacey Schulman; Circuit Judge John Patrick Contini; County Judge Claudia Robinson; Circuit Judge Edward H. Merrigan; County Judge Kal Evans; County Judge Daniel J. Kanner

Impact Broward presented the 2014 Award of Excellence to Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein and Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr. on behalf of their work with Broward County Veterans Court. Since its inception in May 2012, the 17th Circuit’s Veterans Court has accepted hundreds of cases covering a variety of misdemeanor offenses, with a focus on rehabilitating the veteran offender. There are currently 185 defendants receiving services through Broward’s Veterans Court. 

In its third year, Impact Broward’s annual awards ceremony honors local officials, organizations and community members for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of Broward County residents. 

Congratulations to both judges!