Women of Tomorrow Visit the Courts

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Women of Tomorrow Visit the Courts

High school students from Lauderhill STEM-MED Magnet School’s Women of Tomorrow program visited the courthouse on Wednesday for a hands-on learning experience.

They met County Court Judge Jackie Powell, Circuit Judge Michael J. Orlando, Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, and Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez.

From stepping inside a jury room to sitting in the witness stand—and even peppering the county’s chief prosecutor with questions—these students got an up-close look at how our justice system works.

👩‍⚖️⚖️ Nothing beats learning by doing!

by Sallie James — September 18, 2025 in Announcements

Celebrating the Investiture of Judge Marlon J. Weiss

Today we had the honor of celebrating Judge Marlon J. Weiss at his formal robing ceremony. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 19 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Jack Tuter, Judge Weiss now serves in Unified Family.

Born and raised in South Broward County, Judge Weiss went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Emory University. Today’s ceremony was especially meaningful as his family, colleagues, judges, lawyers, court staff, and members of the Broward County Bar Association came together to support and celebrate him.

We’re so proud to welcome Judge Weiss to the bench and look forward to all that he will bring to our community.

by Sallie James — September 12, 2025 in Announcements

Broward County Drug Court Earns Prestigious Re-Entry Award

This week, our Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court received the Re-Entry Award from the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency at the 95th Annual Criminal Justice Training Institute on Sept. 10th in Orlando.

Judge Michael Davis, Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards, and Correctional Probation Supervisor Tammy Marcus proudly accepted the award, which recognizes outstanding programs that help individuals successfully transition back into the community after incarceration.

This recognition highlights our team’s exemplary work in rehabilitation, job training, and post-release support—efforts that reduce recidivism, promote second chances, and serve as a model for reentry success nationwide. 👏✨

💡 In addition, Broward County’s Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court has been designated a National Mentor Court—one of only 10 in the entire nation with this distinction.

(Pictured left to right: Michelle Whitworth, State President, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency; Judge Michael Davis; Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards; Department of Corrections Drug Court PTI Supervisor Tammy Marcus; and Nichole Landrum, Committee Chairperson for the FCC Re-Entry Award.)

by Sallie James — September 12, 2025 in Court Updates

Sharing Insights on Civility in the Courtroom

Our very own Judge Lauren M. Alperstein and Magistrate Stephanie Matalon took part in a continuing legal education panel today via Zoom, speaking on the importance of civility in and out of the courtroom.

From maintaining professionalism with opposing counsel and self-represented litigants to navigating challenges under the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct and the Bounds of Advocacy, the panel offered invaluable insights from the judiciary’s perspective.

We’re proud to see two of our own from the 17th Judicial Circuit leading the way on such an essential topic—reminding us all that civility is at the heart of effective advocacy and the fair administration of justice. ⚖️✨

by Sallie James — September 11, 2025 in Announcements

Notice of Circuit Court Vacancy

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Governor Ron DeSantis with nominees to fill a vacancy in the Broward Circuit Court, following the resignation of Judge Gary Farmer.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply. Applicants must meet the requirements for circuit court judge as outlined in Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution.

Applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025.

by Sallie James — September 5, 2025 in Announcements

Spotlight on Community Justice: Fort Lauderdale Community Court

Florida Rep. Daryl Campbell and his team recently visited Judge Florence Taylor Barner at Fort Lauderdale Community Court, where innovative alternatives—such as community service and mental health counseling—help address low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations.

During their visit, they observed court operations, met with participants and service providers, and learned firsthand how Community Court connects individuals with support. They also met with Fort Lauderdale’s Assistant City Manager and Commissioner Ben Sorenson to discuss the program’s beginnings and explore how this model could expand to other cities.

📊 Since January–June 2025, Fort Lauderdale Community Court has served 111 Notices to Appear (NTAs) and welcomed more than 2,117 walk-ins seeking services.

👏 Thank you, Rep. Campbell, for your interest in how Community Court is making a difference in our community!

Do you want me to make the h

by Sallie James — September 4, 2025 in Announcements