A Day in Court

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A Day in Court

Students from Margate Elementary’s 5000 Role Models mentoring program visited the Broward County Courthouse on Tuesday for a day packed with learning and fun. They met with Judges Lorena V. Mastrarrigo and Kenneth L. Gillespie, played a Constitution-themed Q&A game with Public Defender Community Relations Coordinator Janelle Floyd, and peppered Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor with questions about the legal system.

They also tried their hardest to outsmart Judge Gillespie in a brain-teasing math challenge (they didn’t win!), and eagerly circled answers on a courtroom Bingo card as they searched for items like a judge’s nameplate and the courtroom flag. And of course, the sweeping view from the 14th floor may have been the highlight of the day.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this visit both meaningful and memorable!

by Sallie James — December 2, 2025 in Announcements

Learning How Digital Court Reporting Works

A group of homeschoolers got an inside look at digital court reporting services during a recent courthouse tour, where Supervisor La Kita O’Donnell showed them how detailed records of in-progress court proceedings are made in real time. La Kita introduced them to CourtSmart, the recording program used by the 17th Judicial Circuit, and allowed them to listen to a playback of a DUI trial. They also observed digital court reporters in action, asked questions, and even peeked into active courtrooms through CourtSmart’s live-streaming video.

The 17th Judicial Circuit employs about 30 digital court reporters who actively tag and monitor proceedings at the Main Courthouse, as well as the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, and the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. It’s an impressive operation.

A special thank you to La Kita for taking so much time to show these students how modern court reporting works.

by Sallie James — November 25, 2025 in Announcements

Tears, Smiles & New Beginnings: 16 Adoptions Finalized in Broward

National Adoption Day at the Broward County Courthouse on Nov. 22 was filled with tears of joy, megawatt smiles, and plenty of laughter. Judges Jose Izquierdo, Yael Gamm, John B. Bowman and Stacy Schulman finalized 16 adoptions, creating forever homes for these wonderful children. Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips was also on hand to lead the opening ceremony and offer congratulations to all the families who opened their hearts to adoption.

The celebration was full of fun — face painting, games, a robotic photo booth, food, cake, candy, balloons, and gifts. One attendee called it “the best day ever in the courthouse,” and by all accounts it truly was.

Congratulations to the children and their new families! #foreverfamily

by Sallie James — November 24, 2025 in Announcements

Broward Courts to Close for Thanksgiving Holiday

All Broward courts will close on Nov. 27-28th in observance of the holiday. The 17th Judicial Circuit wishes you and your family a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving. The courts will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1st.

The holiday closure includes:

Broward County Judicial Complex (Main Courthouse) – Fort Lauderdale
North Regional Courthouse – Deerfield Beach
South Regional Courthouse – Hollywood
West Regional Courthouse – Plantation

by Sallie James — November 24, 2025 in Announcements

A Horse in Court? Of Course!

Video was rolling and cameras were snapping as Judge Ari Abraham Porth welcomed a very special guest to court today — Pegasus, a 4-year-old miniature therapy horse!

Decked out in a robe, curly wig, and droopy necktie, Pegasus caused quite a stir as he cleared courthouse security, rode the elevator, and made his way to Judge Porth’s felony mental health court.

His visit, done in collaboration with Meraki Behavioral Health, highlighted the benefits of equine therapy in promoting emotional regulation, trust building, and stress reduction.

Pegasus posed for photos, nuzzled admirers, and lunged with delight at the sight of carrots — bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

Pegasus is owned by Alexandra Ramos and collaborates with Lindsay Wallick, founder and president of Meraki Behavioral Health.

by Sallie James — November 13, 2025 in Announcements

Pine Ridge Students Experience the Law Firsthand

Students from Pine Ridge Education Center in Davie saw the law in action during a courthouse tour this week that took them to the courtrooms of County Court Judge Chris Brown and Circuit Court Judge Elijah H. Williams. The students also heard presentations from the Broward State Attorney’s Office, the Broward Public Defender’s Office, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

They observed court hearings, asked thoughtful questions, and even heard from juveniles currently in custody.

The visit offered a real-world look at the justice system and the important roles it plays in our community.
Thank you to all the court personnel who helped make this meaningful experience possible!

by Sallie James — November 12, 2025 in Announcements