All Posts in "Sallie James"

Fort Lauderdale Homeschoolers Take Avengers to Court in Mock Trial

The Avengers were on trial for wrongful death, negligence and the intentional infliction of emotional distress and both sides were lawyered up. Counsel for both sides hailed from a Fort Lauderdale homeschool group that had honed their skills through the trial advocacy skills program created by a mom who was also a lawyer. Judges Robert F. Diaz and Kenneth A. Gottlieb presided over trials in two courtrooms and both sides presented their cases with finesse. The disability-friendly program included autistic, dyslexic and nonverbal “student “lawyers” who all knocked it out of the park. “They pushed so hard to learn the material and get past their personal struggles,” said program creator Leila Billings, a homeschool teacher and fulltime lawyer. “Growing their confidence and self esteem was the goal of this program.” Amazing program and talented students. So much fun to watch!

by — November 20, 2024 in Announcements
Students Embrace Law Through Observation

A group of students from Franklin Academy visited the courtrooms of Judges Jackie Powell, Catalina Avalos and Carlos S. Rebollo during a recent courthouse tour where they observed in-progress court proceedings. All three judges took time to explain what they do so the students had a better understanding of what actually happens in court. Thank you judges for taking time to educate! @franklincharter #17thjudicialcircuit #LawAndOrder

by — November 19, 2024 in Announcements
Raising Awareness About Homelessness to Effect Change

Homelessness is a hot button topic that Judge Florence Taylor Barner encounters every week in Community Court. So it’s no surprise that she recently attended the 8th Annual Homeless Community Symposium at Hope South Florida to learn more about how homeless services are addressing the needs of those on the street. Judge Barner also separately accepted a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale declaring November National Homelessness Awareness Month. Being aware can make a difference. In Community Court, Judge Barner addresses low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations with innovative solutions that include community service hours, mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. Thank you for all you do!

by — November 13, 2024 in Announcements
Learning How to Save Lives with CPR & AEDs

About 60 Court Administration employees have participated in a crash course to save lives, courtesy of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. The one-hour class offered instruction in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AEDs, or automated external defibrillators — portable, easy-to-use devices that analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to help restore a normal rhythm. Knowing how to help someone during a medical emergency is invaluable. Many thanks to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department for proactively helping to save lives.

by — November 12, 2024 in Announcements
Honoring the Veterans of the 17th Judicial Circuit

In observance of Veterans Day, the 17th Judicial Circuit would like to thank our veterans for their service, sacrifices, and valor. Pictured here are some of our employees and their loved ones who have served – or continue to serve — in our armed forces. Among those pictured: Judge Michael A. Usan, USAF; retired Chief Judge Peter Weinstein, US Army; Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Major General, US Army; Digital Court Reporter Donald Brown, US Army; Kenneth Logan Sr., USMC, father of Judge Stefanie C. Moon; Frank J. Lazorishak, USAF, father-in-law of Judge Florence Taylor Barner; Mel Schiff, US Coast Guard, father of Judge Louis H. Schiff; David Feldman, US Army, father of Digital Court Reporter Eric S. Feldman; Carlo Galluccio, USAF and Christopher Notarnicola, USMC, husband and son of Judge Ellen Feld’s Judicial Assistant Paula Galluccio; Lakesha Barnes Cole, USAF, sister of Court Program Specialist III Lakita O’Donnell; Steven D. Unik, USMC, court bailiff for Judge Jessica M. Marra; Evan Sheehan, US Navy, son of Judge Kal Evans’ Judicial Assistant Jen Castaneda-Sheehan. THANK YOU for everything you do for our country and our freedom.

by — November 8, 2024 in Announcements
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