Visiting Courtrooms to Learn About the Law

All Posts in "Announcements"

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.

by Sallie James — March 4, 2025 in Announcements

The Robing of Three New Judges

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the addition of three new County Court judges with an investiture ceremony that was packed with well wishers. Congratulations to Judges Corey B. Friedman, Woody R. Clermont and Kathleen E. Angione on your investiture today! An amazing accomplishment. We are delighted to have you at the 17th Judicial Circuit. Judge Friedman presides over first appearances at the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Judge Clermont presides at the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood and Judge Angione presides at the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach. Welcome to the Circuit! And thank you to the Broward County Bar Association for organizing this lovely event!

by Sallie James — February 28, 2025 in Announcements

WLRN Checks in with Retiring Chief Judge Judge Jack Tuter

Retiring Chief Judge Jack Tuter recently sat down with WLRN reporter Carlton Gillespie to recap his years as Chief Judge and discuss some of the challenges, highs and lows of his tenure in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Judge Tuter is retiring from the bench as of May 1st. Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will follow him as Chief Judge. Read WLRN’s article and listen to the radio broadcast HERE.

by Sallie James — February 28, 2025 in Announcements

Celebrating Two Judicial Robings!

Congratulations Judges Johnathan D. Lott and Lauren N. Peffer on your Investitures today! Judge Lott presides in Family Court in Fort Lauderdale and Judge Peffer presides in County Court at the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. In attendance today was County Mayor Mark D. Bogen, Chief Judge Jack Tuter, a host of judges and lots of family and friends. Many thanks to the Broward County Bar Association for organizing this event. Welcome to the 17th Judicial Circuit Judges Lott and Peffer! We are delighted to have you on the team!

by Sallie James — February 21, 2025 in Announcements

Supporting Youth and Adults with Special Needs

Eight judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit recently attended the Friendship Circle’s Annual Luncheon, a nonprofit which provides services for youth and adults with special needs. The staff at the Friendship Grill is comprised of special needs adults. Attending judges at the 1/26/2025 event included Tabitha B. Eves, Michael I. Rothschild, Lorena V. Mastrarrigo, Kim Theresa Mollica, Michael Davis, Ari Abraham Porth, Melinda Brown and Chris Brown. An incredible group that does so much good in our community!

by Sallie James — February 21, 2025 in Announcements

Hollywood Community Court Turns One!!

Happy first birthday Hollywood Community Court and presiding Judge Corey A. Cawthon. Amazing job! The Caring Place, where court is held, was packed this week for a one-year celebration marked by speeches, sweets and lots of joyful hugs. Hollywood Community Court is a unique venue that changes lives with compassion and caring. The City of Hollywood noticed and issued a proclamation honoring the court’s one-year anniversary. The 17th Judicial Circuit also operates Community Courts in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, where Judges Florence Taylor Barner and Betsy Benson preside. Judge Cawthon, working with the City of Hollywood and a huge array of service providers has held more than 600 hearings in the past year and paved the way for nine graduations from the program. Keep up the amazing work. Read our press release HERE. Watch the City of Hollywood’s video HERE.

by Sallie James — February 20, 2025 in Announcements