All Posts in "Sallie James"

Judicial Assistants Attend Educational Conference to Hone Skills

The 17th Judicial Circuit was well represented at the four-day Judicial Assistants’ Educational Conference in St. Pete Beach, FL. Sponsored by the Judicial Assistants Association of Florida, the event included programs on everything from ethics, legislative reforms, and new laws to security issues, criminal and civil procedures, stress reduction and new technology. The event also provided a great opportunity for networking, making new friends and fun in the sun. To all our essential judicial assistants who work so hard – we appreciate you!

by — September 26, 2024 in Announcements
Fond Farewells for Retiring Judge Louis H. Schiff at North Regional Networking Event

Five judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit along with 22 lawyers from the NE/NW sections of the Broward Bar Association celebrated the service of longtime Judge Louis H. Schiff last week at a networking luncheon in his courtroom at the North Regional Courthouse. Judge Schiff is retiring in December after 28 years on the bench. Turnout was great: Chief Judge Jack Tuter, Judge John Hurley, Judge Steven P. DeLuca, Judge Kim Theresa Mollica and Judge Kenneth A. Gottlieb attended along with Judge Schiff, in addition to a strong showing of lawyers. “I am honored to have served the last 28 years – it’s been the honor of a lifetime,” Schiff said told the group to rousing applause. The event marked the first time in four years the NE/NW sections of the Broward Bar Association was able to hold the networking event in-person. It also marked the last time Judge Schiff would attend the event as a sitting judge. The luncheon was halted during the COVID pandemic. We will miss you Judge Schiff. Much respect for an amazing lifetime of public service!

by — September 25, 2024 in Announcements
Judge Ari Abraham Porth Honored with Top Statewide Judicial Award for Judicial Excellence

Congratulations to Judge Ari Abraham Porth, who was chosen to receive the 2024 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence in recognition of of his “personification of judicial excellence” and “exceptional commitment to the judicial branch.” The coveted annual award is presented to two judges statewide in Florida – one from circuit court and one from county court. Judge Porth is assigned to our Felony Mental Health division. Established in 2015, the award pays tribute to trial court judges whose achievements exceed the normal expectations of the office and considers factors such as strength of character, integrity, knowledge of the law, sound judgment, professional ethics, intellectual courage, compassion, and decisiveness. Amazing and well-deserved recognition! Read our press release HERE.

by — September 24, 2024 in Announcements
Learning to Recognize Human Trafficking

Unified Family Court Dependency and Delinquency Case Managers spent three hours on Sept. 20th participating in a joint Human-Trafficking Training with Department of Juvenile Justice Probation Officers, the State Attorney’s Office and others.  Presenters included Jumorrow Terra Poitier, Director of Community Outreach & Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator for the Broward State Attorney’s Office; Judge Stacy Ross and representatives from FLITE Center and the Nancy J. Cotterman Center. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the different types of human-trafficking, including labor trafficking and sex trafficking. They also learned about Girls Court, RISE Court, Safe Harbor staffings, resources and other services. Many thanks to the organizers and speakers who made this valuable event happen!

by — September 23, 2024 in Announcements
Two Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit to Serve on Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission

Big news! Circuit Court Judge Jose Izquierdo and County Court Judge Steven P. DeLuca have both been elected to serve on the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (FJQC). Judge Izquierdo was elected to the position by the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges this week and Judge DeLuca was elected to the position by the Florida Conference of County Judges earlier this summer. The FJQC is an independent agency charged with investigating allegations of judicial misconduct and disability against Florida state judges. The Chair of the Commission selects nine members to serve on the Investigative Panel and six members to serve on the Hearing Panel. Judge DeLuca previously served a six-year term on the FJQC after being elected in 2016. Congratulations to both Judge DeLuca and Judge Izquierdo for this impressive accomplishment!

by — September 20, 2024 in Circuit Civil Judges
Bridging Language Gaps in Court

Meet the court interpreters who provide in-house Spanish and Haitian Creole interpreting services to defendants and witnesses in court proceedings at all four of Broward County’s Court locations. The 17th Judicial Circuit has 12 Spanish and two Haitian Creole interpreters on staff. The Interpreters Office also provides assistance with other languages like Russian and Portuguese through contractors. Did you know that interpreters translate three different ways? Simultaneously, consecutively (Q&A style) and sight translation (i.e. reading a document). And on a busy day, an interpreter may visit as many as seven different courtrooms to provide services. Our interpreters originate from a range of countries including Haiti, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Uruguay. Thank you for all you do!

by — September 19, 2024 in Announcements
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