Hearing officers and magistrates spent their lunch hour stuffing teddy bears to help make the court experience a little less scary for children.

The bears will find a home in Dependency Court, where they will be given to children whose families are involved in the court system. The cuddly companions are meant to provide a little comfort and reassurance during what can be an uncertain and difficult time.

Our volunteer bear stuffers assembled nearly 20 teddy bears for young children — proving that sometimes a small gesture can make a big difference.

The historic “double” investiture on Aug. 28 for Judge Jeremy I. Franker was a first for the 17^th Judicial Circuit.

The former federal prosecutor – who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the County Court bench on Feb. 25 – was scheduled to have his County Court investiture on Aug. 28 when he was notified of Aug. 19 of a big change: the Governor was elevating him to the Circuit Court bench. The unusual circumstances marked the first time a judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit has been elevated to another court before the investiture for the first judicial appointment.

The news meant plans for Judge Franker’s Aug. 28th formal robing ceremony for County Court had to quickly be revised to also include an investiture for Circuit Court. Judge Franker’s double investiture in courtroom 17150 meant two proclamations (one for County Court and one for Circuit Court) and some last minute program changes.

Welcome to the Circuit Court bench Judge Franker!

Members of the Young Lawyers Section of the Broward County Bar Association recently joined Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips for lunch as part of the BCBA’s “Lunch with the Judiciary” program.

The program provides an opportunity to promote dialogue and strengthen relationships between the judiciary and members of the Broward Bar. Over sandwiches and cookies, the young lawyers asked questions and enjoyed a candid, one-on-one conversation with the Chief Judge.

The afternoon wrapped up with photos to commemorate a great opportunity for connection and conversation between the bench and the bar.

The 17th Judicial Circuit has a new Circuit Court judge!

We are pleased to announce the appointment of David J. Arthmann to the Circuit Court bench. Judge Arthmann currently serves as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee. He was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday, Aug. 20th.

Judge Arthmann is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and the Florida State University College of Law. He has worked more than 20 years for the State of Florida, with tenure at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Human Services, the Florida Department of Corrections and the Department of Children and Family Services. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

We are delighted to welcome Judge Arthmann to the bench! Read our press release HERE.