Representatives from the Seminole Tribal Court recently visited the Broward County Courthouse to observe hearings and tour the facility as part of the ongoing collaboration between the Seminole Tribal Court and the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Judge José Izquierdo continues to partner with the Seminole Tribal Court on cases involving the Indian Child Welfare Act. Once a month, he presides over these cases in coordination with the Tribal Court at the Seminole Reservation.

During their visit, the representatives met with Judge Hope Tieman Bristol to learn about Dependency Drug Court, Judge Stacey Schulman to discuss HOPE Court, and Judge Stacy Ross to explore RISE Court. An IT Team from the Hollywood Reservation also accompanied the group to observe video configurations used by the 17th Judicial Circuit for Zoom hearings, among other things.

First row: Associate Judge Mia Jones, fourth from right; Chief Judge Mary Tigertail, center; Second Row: Chief Justice Joe Frank, second from right; Director Moses Osceola, third from right.

Back row: left to right: Judge Jose Izquierdo, Judge Stacey Schulman, Judge Stacy Ross and Judge Hope Tieman Bristol.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Judge Lauren M. Alperstein, Family Chairperson for the 17th Judicial Circuit, participated in the webinar “The Law of Protection: Domestic Violence and Interpersonal Injunctions” held on Thursday, October 9, from 12–1 PM EST.

This program provided an overview of Florida’s domestic violence laws, focusing on interpersonal injunctions as both protective measures and legal remedies. Participants explored the statutory framework under Chapter 741, Florida Statutes, and related provisions governing injunctions for protection against domestic, dating, repeat, sexual, and stalking violence.

The event featured a roundtable discussion with Board Certified Attorneys Christopher Rumbold and Carolyn Ware, with a special appearance by Judge Alperstein, who shared her judicial perspective on these vital issues.

We’re fortunate to have someone with Judge Alperstein’s expertise and dedication serving in our circuit, guiding both the community and the legal profession on these critical issues.

#DomesticViolence