As part of a new Health and Wellness initiative, Court Administration employees have begun taking group walks along the New River. The goal is to stretch your legs, breath some fresh air and get better acquainted with your co-workers. The 15 to 20 minute walks are short and sweet but effective in promoting camaraderie, exercise and mental health. Thank you Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico for signing off on this great idea!
The Alpha Phi Alpha Men of Tomorrow recently hosted a discussion with high school students about the significance of the judiciary and the rule of law during their Law and You Program at the Broward County Courthouse. Broward Circuit Court Judges Keathan Frink and George Odom Jr., along with Broward Public Defender Gordon Weekes, a representative from the Broward State Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement officers, participated in the April 19th event, sharing valuable insights aimed at empowering the Men of Tomorrow to navigate legal situations with confidence and understanding.
The American Board of Trial Associates (ABOTA) Fort Lauderdale honored the lengthy judicial career of outgoing Chief Judge Jack Tuter on Thursday with an after-hours celebration at Livia Bar & Grill in Fort Lauderdale. Judges, lawyers and lots of other well-wishers stopped by to wish Judge Tuter good luck in his next chapter. ABOTA members presented Judge Tuter with an honorary insulated cup, joking that he probably already had boxes of awards and plaques from his years as a judge. “He is the kind of guy who runs toward complex problems, instead of away,” noted ABOTA member Mitchell A. Chester. Judge Tuter, you will be greatly missed!
A Friday morning law book giveaway in the lobby of the Broward County Courthouse was so popular that every single book was snapped up before noon. Court administration collected a wide range of gently used legal books from judges and other courthouse staff, then offered the books to the public so they would be put to use. Among the most popular donations? Six-volume sets of Florida statutes, in high demand despite their weightiness. Takers ranged from law school students, court employees, passersby and those who simply love to read. The empty boxes got snatched up too!
Take Your Child to Work Day at the Broward County Courthouse was filled with adventure: A mock trial in a real courtroom. A visit from two pet therapy dogs with the patience of Job and bottomless levels of love and affection. A chance to witness in-progress delinquency proceedings with a real judge and real defendants. Riding the elevators all the way up to the 20th floor to look at the ocean, then back down so you can walk to the criminal wing and peer at the Broward County jail. Understanding what happens inside a courthouse can be difficult to imagine until you experience it. A fun day for employees and their loved ones!
Students from Pine Ridge Education Center toured the Broward County Courthouse on April 16th, visiting the courtrooms of Circuit Court Judge Elijah H. Williams, a juvenile delinquency judge, and County Court Judge Jackie Powell, who handles civil matters. The students observed in-progress court proceedings and asked the judges questions about their jobs during Q&A sessions. Great way to learn about the justice system!
