All Posts in "Court Updates"

5000 Role Models Tour the Courthouse

Students from Millennium 6-12 and Challenger Elementary spent an inspiring day at the Broward County Courthouse, diving into firsthand lessons about the justice system. The students participate in the 5000 Role Models mentoring program.

Their visit began in Judge Florence Taylor Barner’s courtroom, where they asked thoughtful questions about her work on the bench. They then visited Judge Elijah H. Williams in juvenile court to better understand what it means to be a youth in custody. They asked Judge Williams even more great questions.

The group continued to the Lamar Warren Law Library, where they met with Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, learned about ballistics from a BSO Crime Lab scientist, and the role of a public defender from Community Outreach Coordinator Janelle Floyd.

The students were curious, engaged, and full of questions. They walked away with real-world insight into how the justice system works. Many thanks to all the public servants in the courthouse whose time and dedication made this tour so meaningful.

by — December 9, 2025 in Announcements
Serving up Gratitude

It’s that special time of year! Judge Mindy Brown’s annual “Thank You” luncheon for courthouse employees kicked off in style on Friday with carolers, cookies, and plenty of delicious food.

For the 15th year, Judge Brown stood at the head of the serving line, dishing up meatballs, macaroni, salad, and sweets to hundreds of courthouse employees. Thanks to her holiday tradition, more than 250 people enjoyed a festive lunch.

Judges Jill K. Levy and John D. Fry also rolled up their sleeves to help serve, joining a dedicated group of volunteers who worked hard to make the celebration shine. The afternoon was filled with hugs, smiles, and heartfelt appreciation.

“It’s my way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone here,” Judge Brown shared, noting that the event celebrates the teamwork that keeps the courthouse running.

Thank YOU, Judge Brown, for your generosity and kindness. Happy holidays to all.

by — December 5, 2025 in Announcements
Holiday Driver’s License Clinic Helps Motorists Get Back on the Road

More than 200 people got their day in court on Thursday during a holiday One-Stop Driver’s License Clinic created to resolve open cases. Many participants had fines waived and become eligible to have their driving privileges restored. Judges Kenneth A. Gottlieb and Deborah Carpenter-Toye participated, along with Broward Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman, her staff, and representatives from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

It was a day filled with smiles.

“The clinic was established to help motorists clear up any issues preventing them from having their driver’s license reinstated,” said Dian Diaz, Chief Operating Officer for the Clerk of Courts.

by — December 4, 2025 in Announcements
Celebrating Our Judicial Assistants This Holiday Season

Judges and their Judicial Assistants rang in the holidays with a festive celebration filled with great food, fancy desserts, and plenty of laughter. Well-deserved!

Judicial Assistants are the behind-the-scenes powerhouses who answer phones, manage dockets, schedule meetings, coordinate calendars, and keep everything running smoothly for the judiciary. And despite heavy caseloads, they consistently manage to beat back chaos, bring order to long days, and make it all look effortless — always with a smile.

Happy holidays to the incredible Judicial Assistants of the 17th Judicial Circuit. We truly couldn’t do it without you!

by — December 3, 2025 in Announcements
A Day in Court

Students from Margate Elementary’s 5000 Role Models mentoring program visited the Broward County Courthouse on Tuesday for a day packed with learning and fun. They met with Judges Lorena V. Mastrarrigo and Kenneth L. Gillespie, played a Constitution-themed Q&A game with Public Defender Community Relations Coordinator Janelle Floyd, and peppered Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor with questions about the legal system.

They also tried their hardest to outsmart Judge Gillespie in a brain-teasing math challenge (they didn’t win!), and eagerly circled answers on a courtroom Bingo card as they searched for items like a judge’s nameplate and the courtroom flag. And of course, the sweeping view from the 14th floor may have been the highlight of the day.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this visit both meaningful and memorable!

by — December 2, 2025 in Announcements
Learning How Digital Court Reporting Works

A group of homeschoolers got an inside look at digital court reporting services during a recent courthouse tour, where Supervisor La Kita O’Donnell showed them how detailed records of in-progress court proceedings are made in real time. La Kita introduced them to CourtSmart, the recording program used by the 17th Judicial Circuit, and allowed them to listen to a playback of a DUI trial. They also observed digital court reporters in action, asked questions, and even peeked into active courtrooms through CourtSmart’s live-streaming video.

The 17th Judicial Circuit employs about 30 digital court reporters who actively tag and monitor proceedings at the Main Courthouse, as well as the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, and the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. It’s an impressive operation.

A special thank you to La Kita for taking so much time to show these students how modern court reporting works.

by — November 25, 2025 in Announcements
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