Ten years ago this summer, the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit began its Veterans Court, offering rehabilitative services to veterans of the armed forces who are accused of certain crimes. Friday, July 22, 2022, a ceremony marking the occasion was held in the Judicial Complex and included opening remarks from Chief Judge Jack Tuter, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Judge Elijah Williams, and speeches presented by Judge Edward Merrigan, presiding Judge of Veterans Court, Keynote Speaker James Heaton, Esq., senior director of Mission United and Dr. Giovanna Delgado, Psy. D., Assistant Chief of Psychology of Miami VA Healthcare System.

To-date, the program has helped more than 1,000 veterans in our community; more than 200 are currently participating in the Veterans Court program.

Many of the Seventeenth Circuit’s County Court Judges attended this year’s Conference of County Court Judge of Florida, held mid-July in Bonita Springs, Florida. It is an annual conference that offers continuing education classes for County judges across the state. Florida’s Chief Justice Carlos Muniz swore in the Honorable Kenneth Gottlieb as this this year’s President of the Conference.

On Friday, July 15, 2022, the Honorable Robert Diaz marked 30 years on the Broward County bench! He was appointed on July 15, 1992.

Congratulations Judge Diaz!

This summer’s judicial interns were in for a treat today as Judge Diaz hosted two prominent attorneys in his courtroom for a meet-and-greet meeting. State attorney Chris Killoran and defense attorney Jeremy Kroll spoke to the second-year law students about their experiences in the legal profession and offered wise advice for success.