A Salute to Service and Justice

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A Salute to Service and Justice

Judge Edward H. Merrigan Jr., a highly decorated Major General in the U.S. Army, received a formal military sendoff during a retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., complete with an honor guard, military bands, and heartfelt tributes. The ceremony was livestreamed on Facebook.

Now presiding in our Circuit Criminal division, Judge Merrigan founded the 17th’s Veterans Court in 2012, a specialized program helping veterans facing substance abuse or mental health challenges.

Major General Merrigan enlisted in the Army in 1994 and joined the Army Reserve in 1999, beginning his service as an International Law Officer with the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion in Perrine, FL. His distinguished career included a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

During the Department of the Army and General Officer Retirement Ceremony, one speaker noted: “You represent the epitome of selfless service. Please accept our eternal thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Thank you, Major General Merrigan, for your unwavering commitment to both country and community. Read our press release HERE. Watch the video HERE.

by Sallie James — July 24, 2025 in Announcements

Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., Retires from Military as Major General after 31 years

Circuit Court Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., a two-star general in the U.S. Army, retired from the military this month after 31 years of service. Judge Merrigan oversees a criminal felony division and presides in Veterans Court, which he founded in 2012. He most recently served as commander of the 84th Training Command in Fort Knox, KY, sometimes traveling around the country as many as three weekends a month. We are proud to have you on our team. Thank you for your service. Read our press release HERE.

by Sallie James — May 8, 2025 in Announcements

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

Two Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit to Serve on Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission

Big news! Circuit Court Judge Jose Izquierdo and County Court Judge Steven P. DeLuca have both been elected to serve on the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (FJQC). Judge Izquierdo was elected to the position by the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges this week and Judge DeLuca was elected to the position by the Florida Conference of County Judges earlier this summer. The FJQC is an independent agency charged with investigating allegations of judicial misconduct and disability against Florida state judges. The Chair of the Commission selects nine members to serve on the Investigative Panel and six members to serve on the Hearing Panel. Judge DeLuca previously served a six-year term on the FJQC after being elected in 2016. Congratulations to both Judge DeLuca and Judge Izquierdo for this impressive accomplishment!

by Sallie James — September 20, 2024 in Circuit Civil Judges