All Posts in "Court Updates"

Sharing Insights on Civility in the Courtroom

Our very own Judge Lauren M. Alperstein and Magistrate Stephanie Matalon took part in a continuing legal education panel today via Zoom, speaking on the importance of civility in and out of the courtroom.

From maintaining professionalism with opposing counsel and self-represented litigants to navigating challenges under the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct and the Bounds of Advocacy, the panel offered invaluable insights from the judiciary’s perspective.

We’re proud to see two of our own from the 17th Judicial Circuit leading the way on such an essential topic—reminding us all that civility is at the heart of effective advocacy and the fair administration of justice. ⚖️✨

by — September 11, 2025 in Announcements
Notice of Circuit Court Vacancy

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Governor Ron DeSantis with nominees to fill a vacancy in the Broward Circuit Court, following the resignation of Judge Gary Farmer.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply. Applicants must meet the requirements for circuit court judge as outlined in Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution.

Applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025.

by — September 5, 2025 in Announcements
Spotlight on Community Justice: Fort Lauderdale Community Court

Florida Rep. Daryl Campbell and his team recently visited Judge Florence Taylor Barner at Fort Lauderdale Community Court, where innovative alternatives—such as community service and mental health counseling—help address low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations.

During their visit, they observed court operations, met with participants and service providers, and learned firsthand how Community Court connects individuals with support. They also met with Fort Lauderdale’s Assistant City Manager and Commissioner Ben Sorenson to discuss the program’s beginnings and explore how this model could expand to other cities.

📊 Since January–June 2025, Fort Lauderdale Community Court has served 111 Notices to Appear (NTAs) and welcomed more than 2,117 walk-ins seeking services.

👏 Thank you, Rep. Campbell, for your interest in how Community Court is making a difference in our community!

Do you want me to make the h

by — September 4, 2025 in Announcements
Hollywood Community Court: Changing Lives, Building Hope

At Hollywood Community Court—hosted by The Caring Place—justice looks different. Instead of focusing only on punishment, the court addresses low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations such as trespassing, unlawful lodging, petty theft, and park-after-hours citations by offering innovative alternatives like community service, mental health counseling, or substance abuse treatment. Judge Corey A. Cawthon presides.

Participants, ranging in age from their mid-20s to over 65, don’t need criminal charges to receive help. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, the court creates opportunities for long-term stability and success.

From February 2024 to August 2025, Hollywood Community Court has:
✅ Served 572 individuals
✅ Welcomed 70 NTA clients referred to court
✅ Held 1,010 court hearings
✅ Celebrated 17 graduates who completed community service, secured housing, increased income, and built stability
✅ Referred 1,114 services through Broward County partners

This work is only possible thanks to a strong network of community providers, including the City of Hollywood, Hollywood Police Department, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Memorial Healthcare System, Henderson Behavioral Health, BARC, SunServe, Taskforce for Ending Homelessness, Healthy Start Broward, Rak Pak, and many others. Hollywood Community court is proud to work in partnership with over 60 service providers within the local community.

Community Courts exemplify how compassion, innovation, and collaboration can transform lives—offering not only justice, but also support and opportunity to Broward County residents in need. The 17th Judicial Circuit also has Community Courts in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. 🌟

by — September 3, 2025 in Announcements
17th Circuit Leaders Participate in Early Childhood Court Conference

From August 5–7, Court staff attended the national Early Childhood Court/Safe Babies Teams conference in Portland, Oregon. Attendees from the 17th Judicial Circuit included Judge Hope Bristol, Judge Jose Izquierdo, and Trent Baker. Judge Izquierdo presented on “Indian Child Welfare Court: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Enhancing Trust and Collaboration.”

📸 Photos:

  • ChildNet Team (left): Part of our core in-court ECC team—Jamica Smith, Sherrelle Young, Terra Singletary, and Trent Baker.
  • 10 Years of ECC in Florida (right): Group photo celebrating a decade of Early Childhood Courts in Florida, featuring Florida judges, child welfare staff, and partners, including Judge Izquierdo, Judge Bristol, and Trent Baker.

The conference, hosted by Safe Babies/Zero to Three™, focused on team-based approaches to supporting infants, toddlers, and families in the child welfare system. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Roots, Growing Our Branches,” honored our strong foundation in early childhood health, mental wellness, and parent voice—while fostering innovation and collaboration nationwide.

by — September 1, 2025 in Announcements
Bridging Borders: 17th Circuit Hosts Delegation from Indonesia

A contingent of Indonesian judicial delegates recently visited the 17th Judicial Circuit to learn about Florida’s family court system. They discussed The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Florida’s Child Welfare system, and general family court practices with Judge Jose Izquierdo, the Circuit’s Hague Convention representative.

The group also received a detailed overview of child custody and child support procedures. Judge Izquierdo shared his expertise on Florida’s approach to international child abduction cases.

Thank you to Judge Izquierdo for hosting the delegation and to attorney Ashley Bober for participating in the visit.

The visit took place on July 23, 2025.

by — August 29, 2025 in Announcements
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