Judge Ari Abraham Porth Honored with Top Statewide Judicial Award for Judicial Excellence

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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 Sallie James — September 24, 2024 in Announcements

Learning to Recognize Human Trafficking

Unified Family Court Dependency and Delinquency Case Managers spent three hours on Sept. 20^th 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 Sallie James — September 23, 2024 in Announcements

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 17^th 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 Sallie James — September 19, 2024 in Announcements

Drug Court Personnel Highlight National Recovery Month

More than 35 service providers and Drug Court personnel celebrated National Recovery Month this week with bagels, cookies and a rousing pep talk from Judge Michael Davis, who presides over Drug Court. “We are in the middle of a war zone and you are the soldiers,” Judge Davis told the group, after lauding their dedication to changing lives. During the event, Judge Davis also received a proclamation signed by Broward County Mayor Nan Rich declaring September as “Broward County’s Recovery Month” and September 20^th as “National Addiction Professionals’ Day.” Russell Edwards manages the problem-solving and treatment court. An amazing job by all!

by Sallie James — September 18, 2024 in Announcements

The 17th Judicial Circuit Court Embraces National Constitution Day

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrates National Constitution Day in remembrance of the ratification of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. We encourage everyone to visit the National Constitution Center to learn more about the Constitution.

by Sallie James — September 17, 2024 in Announcements

Family Case Managers Attend Summit Aimed to Inspire

A contingent of dedicated case managers from Unified Family Courts recently traveled to Orlando where they spent three days at the 2024 Florida Children and Families Summit learning about innovative ways to help kids succeed. Among those in attendance from the 17^th Judicial Circuit of Florida were Delinquency Case Manager Supervisor Janelle May, Juvenile and Dependency Drug Court Coordinator Beth Plotkin, Alternative Sanctions Coordinator Laurette Elme and Delinquency Case Manager Tinamarie Medina. Also in attendance were Judges Hope Tieman Bristol, Stacey Schulman, Alberto Ribas and Jose Izquierdo (not pictured). The event offered a variety of opportunities to make connections, share skills and learn. Your dedication is what makes our team strong!

by Sallie James — September 13, 2024 in Announcements