From Courtroom to Crime Lab: Students Explore Justice System

All Posts in "Sallie James"

From Courtroom to Crime Lab: Students Explore Justice System

Students in grades 6–12 from J.P. Taravella High School’s Women of Tomorrow mentorship program got a firsthand look at the justice system this week!

Their experience included visits to the courtrooms of Judge Michael G. Kaplan and Judge Elijah H. Williams, where they observed proceedings and learned about the judicial process. They also heard an informative presentation from Jorge Bello, Manager of the Firearms & Tool Mark Unit at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, and gained insights into defense representation from Janelle Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Public Defender’s Office.

From real-life law and order moments in the courtroom to a CSI-style look at forensic science, the students explored multiple sides of the justice system — wrapping up with a visit to the Lamar Warren Law Library.

Thank you to all who helped inspire the next generation of leaders!

by Sallie James — October 31, 2025 in Announcements

A Midday Stroll for Health and Connection

Trading computer screens for river views, nearly 30 Court Administration employees on Tuesday stepped outside for a Health and Wellness Riverwalk on October 28, 2025. Employees enjoyed a brisk 15–20 minute walk along the New River — a perfect way to get some fresh air, stretch their legs, and recharge together.

These Riverwalks offer a simple but meaningful reminder that a few steps can go a long way toward better health and workplace camaraderie. Until next time!

by Sallie James — October 29, 2025 in Announcements

Judge Benson and Pompano Court Staff Engage Community at Job Fair

Last week, representatives from Pompano Community Court, including County Court Judge Betsy Benson and other Pompano Court staff, attended the countywide Education and Employment Resource Expo in Lauderdale Lakes. The Pompano team connected with residents, shared information about court programs, and supported participants in accessing resources.

The event featured employers, educators, apprenticeships, GED programs, free health services, expungement information, community partners, free clothing, haircuts, and refreshments — all designed to help residents build a brighter future.

A big thank you to our vendors, partners, and participants who made this outreach event a success!

by Sallie James — October 28, 2025 in Announcements

Future Voters (and Game Show Contestants) Meet the Bench

Students from Hallandale High School, Nova Middle and High Schools, and Millennium 6-12 on Friday took part in the Informed Voters Project, a collaboration between the 17th Judicial Circuit, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, and Broward County Public Schools.

They learned about the judicial system, the importance of voting, and the process of becoming a judge through presentations by judges, an attorney, and representatives from the Supervisor of Elections office, then tested their knowledge in a lively game of Jeopardy!

Participating judges included Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Judge Giuseppina Miranda, Judge Florence Taylor Barner, Judge Jose Izquierdo, Judge Michael Robinson, Judge Stacey Schulman, and Judge Natasha DePrimo.

by Sallie James — October 27, 2025 in Announcements

5000 Role Models Explores the Courts

Students from Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, members of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, visited the Broward County Courthouse this week for an educational tour that spanned from the West Tower to the Criminal Wing, ending at the Lamar Warren Law Library.

Along the way, they observed court proceedings in the courtrooms of Judges Michael A. Robinson and Michael J. Orlando and had the opportunity to meet Judge Keathan B. Frink.

The students also learned about forensic science from Sanissa of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab and gained insight into the justice system from Janelle B. Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Public Defender’s Office.

Thank you to all the judges, staff, and presenters who made this experience so meaningful for the students!

by Sallie James — October 24, 2025 in Announcements

Judicial Collaboration in Action

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.

by Sallie James — October 23, 2025 in Announcements