More than 80 court public information officers from across the country gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this week to exchange ideas on court communications, judicial security, and using social media to share the stories of the courts. Representing the 17th Judicial Circuit was our own Court PIO, Sallie James.

The conference featured innovative discussions, including the Arizona Supreme Court’s groundbreaking use of avatars to explain court decisions and a thought-provoking conversation about the pros and cons of livestreaming trials. Attendees also explored strategies for handling high-profile cases, highlighted by firsthand insights from the PIO who managed the intense national and international media attention surrounding actor Alec Baldwin’s Rust trial.

Participants toured the New Mexico State Capitol and Supreme Court, building connections and sharing expertise that will strengthen court communication efforts across the country. This conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with experienced court communications professionals, share best practices, and build relationships that will serve the courts for years to come.

Students from J.P. Taravella High School recently got an inside look at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab during a courthouse visit that concluded with a meet-and-greet with Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez.

Inside the lab, they explored how DNA helps identify suspects, got a firsthand look at the ballistics lab, learned about latent fingerprint identification, and stepped into the chemistry room where drug compositions are analyzed.

It was like stepping into a real-life episode of Forensic Files! They also learned what a public defender does and what it means to work as one.

Thank you to the dedicated Crime Lab and Public Defender staff for giving these students an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes experience.