County Commission Honors Judge Barner for Community Impact

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County Commission Honors Judge Barner for Community Impact

In celebration of Haitian Heritage Month, the Broward County Commission on Tuesday honored Judge Florence Taylor Barner for her many contributions to the community and her dedicated service to the judiciary. Judge Barner made history as the first Haitian American woman elected judge in the State of Florida. She currently presides over Fort Lauderdale Community Court, one of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s innovative problem-solving courts, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on the community.

by Sallie James — May 13, 2026 in Announcements

New Exhibit Showcases Broward’s Judicial History

A remarkable chapter of Broward history is now on display. “Justice from the Sea to the Sawgrass,” A History of the Broward County Judiciary, was unveiled April 30 at the New River Inn in Fort Lauderdale during a private preview for sitting and retired judges.

Created and curated by retired Judge Robert W. Lee, the three-room exhibit chronicles the evolution of Broward’s court system from 1915 to the present day. Visitors can explore a slideshow on the Broward state court judiciary from 1915 to 1973; 12 historical panels tracing the American judicial system from 1776 to today in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday; and displays highlighting landmark cases including Anna Nicole Smith and Bush v. Gore, which brought Broward County into the national spotlight.

The exhibit also features a gallery of portraits and photographs honoring selected judges, along with vintage election memorabilia and artifacts from the 1928 courthouse.

The public is invited to visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through May 30 at the New River Inn, 231 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

by Sallie James — May 1, 2026 in Announcements

Judge Frink Featured Speaker at National Legal Conference

Judge Keathan B. Frink attended the American Bar Association Section of Litigation’s Annual Conference, held April 22–24, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. Serving as a Managing Director for the 2025–2026 Bar Year, Judge Frink joined leading litigators, professors, and judges from across the nation for high-level CLE programs, networking, and legal collaboration.

Judge Frink also spoke on the panel, The Role of State Courts in Protecting the Rule of Law, alongside Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook, Massachusetts Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, and New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Briana Zamora. We are so fortunate to have such great representation from the 17th Judicial Circuit! #17thjudteam

by Sallie James — April 30, 2026 in Announcements

Welcome to the Bench, Judge James R. Harris!

The courtroom was filled to capacity Friday as family, friends, church members, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the investiture of Judge James R. Harris, one of Broward’s newest circuit court judges.

Judge Harris is assigned to the Family Division and brings with him extensive experience in complex criminal prosecution. Prior to taking the bench, he served as a Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor with the Office of the Attorney General of Florida, where he handled high-level cases involving racketeering, drug trafficking, and organized fraud. He also served as Legal Advisor to the Twenty-Second Statewide Grand Jury, helping ensure the integrity of proceedings in accordance with the Florida Supreme Court.

Earlier in his career, Judge Harris served as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, where he led prosecutions, supervised special units, and handled serious felony cases, including those involving juvenile victims.

Welcome to the bench, Judge Harris. We are proud to have you on our team.#17thjudteam

by Sallie James — April 24, 2026 in Uncategorized

Take Your Child to Work Day Courthouse Style

Nearly 70 children joined us for Take Your Child to Work Day at the Broward County Courthouse, enjoying a day packed with hands-on learning and fun.

From participating in a mock trial to tackling a tricky math game and sharpening their observation skills with a wild video challenge, the students got an inside look at how the courthouse works. They also met several judges and didn’t hesitate to ask plenty of thoughtful questions about the judiciary.

The excitement continued with therapy dog visits — including a goldendoodle and a golden retriever — a chance to explore a Broward Sheriff’s Office SWAT truck, and a loud, high-energy Jeopardy!-style game that had everyone cheering as students competed against one another.

It was a lively, memorable day that gave these young visitors a meaningful glimpse into the justice system. Each child also left with a certificate of participation and a Pocket Constitution to remember their day. Many thanks to all the judges and staff that made this special day such a success! #17thjudteam

by Sallie James — April 23, 2026 in Announcements

New FCS Program Draws Strong Interest from Family Law Attorneys

Approximately 15 family law attorneys attended Wednesday’s Broward Bar Brown Bag Lunch in Courtroom 9165 to learn about the new Family Court Services (FCS) program and the range of services it offers. The discussion covered how referrals to outside agencies work, the role insurance plays in securing care, and what attorneys can expect when cases are referred to FCS.

Judge Lauren M. Alperstein led the session, joined by FCS Manager Diane St. Amand-Scott, Investigator Andres Gironza, Navigator Ahnia Smith, and Administrative Assistant Guilia D’Agostino. Attendees asked thoughtful questions about how the program operates and what costs may be involved.

Launched in January, the program was created to improve conflict resolution and provide support services to families.

by Sallie James — April 22, 2026 in Announcements