All Broward Courts will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of Juneteenth. The affected courthouses include the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation and the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. All four courthouses will re-open on Friday.
The 17th Circuit was proud to be part of the June 12th, 2025 Homeless Community Symposium in Hollywood.
Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Florence Taylor Barner shared insights from Community Court—where low-level offenses are met with solutions like treatment and service, not jail.
Also representing the circuit was Judge Corey A. Cawthon, who presides in Hollywood Community Court. Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Pompano Beach Community Court, was unable to attend. More than 100 attendees and service providers attended the event, focused on supporting the homeless population with dignity and care.
A powerful event highlighting real justice, rooted in care. #CommunityCourt #JusticeWithDignity #17thCircuit
When you tour the courthouse you never know who you will meet! A Girl Scout troop on a recent tour got an impromptu lesson in civics from Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez. They also met Judge Ari Abraham Porth in felony mental health and Judge Michael J. Orlando in Delinquency. A highlight of the visit? A visit inside a prisoner holding cell, which shined a light on the lack of privacy inmates experience. What a great way to learn. Thank you all for making this such a great experience!
Broward Circuit Judge Elijah H. Williams, delinquency chair for the 17th Judicial Circuit, taught at the 2024–25 Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy, held May 16–17 at the Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. The two-day academy focused on “The Power of Curiosity, Vulnerability, and Finding Your Tribe,” and included building communication skills, promoting civility in the legal profession, understanding professionalism and disciplinary rules, and enhancing emotional intelligence.
Representatives from the 17th Judicial Circuit attended the RISE25 Conference, held May 28–31 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
This national event brought together professionals from Juvenile, Dependency, and Adult Drug Courts, as well as Mental Health and Veterans Courts, to share ideas and best practices. Attendees from our Circuit included a judge, attorneys, program managers, coordinators, case managers, peer specialists, and representatives from ChildNet. The conference—recognized as the leading event on substance use, mental health, and justice innovation—offered powerful opportunities for learning, connection, and recommitment to building healthier, safer communities.
The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) welcomed Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips to her new position with a monogrammed hangar and drinking cup. Judge Phillips took over as Chief Judge on May 1st, in the wake of Chief Judge Jack Tuter’s retirement after nearly 20 years on the bench, eight as Chief Judge. On hand to present the swag were three of the ABOTA’s heavy hitters: Jordan Kirby, ABOTA membership chair; Braulio Rosa, ABOTA executive director; and Miles McGrane IV, ABOTA’s president-elect (pictured left to right). And of course, Judge Phillips. Thank you ABOTA for the warm welcome!
