Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court Welcomes a Florida Supreme Court Justice

The Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court held its Annual Professionalism Luncheon at the Tower Club on March 12th and attendance included some starpower: Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel was the keynote speaker. Chief Judge Elect Carol-Lisa Phillips gave the State of the Circuit address and Judge Jackie Powell, president of the Executive Board, sang the National Anthem. Other judges in attendance included Yael Gamm, Mindy Brown, John B. Bowman, Martin Bidwill, Kathleen McCarthy, Michelle Towbin-Singer and Tabitha B. Eves. General Counsel Patricia Judge-Lashley also attended. Judges Phillips and Powell conducted a Q&A session at the event.

Courthouse Tour Gives Students a Peek Behind the Scene

Another courthouse tour, another day of amazing hands-on learning, this time for the students at St. Bonaventure Catholic School. The 7th graders visited the courtroom of Judge Stacy Ross and then met with Judge Thomas J. Coleman, who took them into his jury room where he gave an impromptu class in civics. The students also met with Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez in the Courthouse law library, where they peppered both with lots of questions. @scschargers @browardstateattorney @browarddefender

Nova Law School National Mock Trial Competition Garners Judicial Oversight

Five judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit spent a recent Sunday afternoon at the Courthouse judging the Nova Law School National Mock Trial Competition — the Shark Beach Showdown. The case centered on a dicey murder with the assertion of a stand your ground defense and competition was fierce with students from 26 schools from across the United States competing. Judges Peter Holden, Daniel J. Kanner, Kal Evans, Florence Taylor Barner and Betsy Benson judged the Finals with the best two teams standing. Thank you judges for making this experience so exceptional! @nsulawcollege

Recognizing Broward’s Unsung Heroes

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated nine notable women in recognition of Women’s History Month during a special “Unsung Heroes” program on Friday that unfolded before a crowd packed with well wishers, judges, attorneys, Court Administration employees and other dignitaries. The event was coordinated by Judge Michele Towbin Singer with assistance from the Broward County Bar Association. Honorees included Jean Ansourian, Anita Browning, Wendy Buchanan, Ta’Veca Collins, Carla Gardner, Rebecca McGuire, Susan Nymora, Ella Phillips and Debbie Rivero. Congratulations to all. An amazing program!

Walk This Way!

Sixteen Court Administration employees this week took a 15-minute walk together along the river as part of an health & wellness initiative to “get to know your neighbor” and promote mental and physical health. A recently formed Health and Wellness Committee came up with idea to encourage Court Administration employees to get out of their chairs and get moving. The riverwalk initiative dovetails with Court Administration’s step challenge, which is ongoing.

Visiting Courtrooms to Learn About the Law

More than 30 students from Sheridan Technical College visited three courtrooms during a recent tour where they spoke with judges and observed the law in action. Students visited Judge Michael Davis’s problem-solving Mentor Drug Court, and Judges Jackie Powell and Florence Taylor Barner in the Civil Division. Judge Barner also presides in Community Court in Fort Lauderdale. The students peppered the judges with questions that touched upon everything from how did they become judges to what kind of cases appear in their courtrooms.

Facebook
YouTube