On March 2, 2023, the Honorable Jackie Powell joined the 4th graders at Winston Park Elementary for their Soaring into Excellence Through College program and Career Day. Judge Powell discussed different levels of the American Judicial System and what it takes to become an attorney.
The students from Fort Lauderdale High School came to visit the 17th Judicial Circuit Courthouse where they learned more about the judicial system in the United States and had the chance to witness the judicial process in real time.
Students met with Staff Attorney Dharma Sierra who spoke to students about her role in the courthouse and the importance of being a great help to the judges. Students then spoke with Chief Judge Jack Tuter who answered questions and shared his experience as a judge with the 17th Circuit.
Later students had the opportunity to visit with the Honorable Catalina Avalos who took time in between hearings to speak with the students about a career in law.
The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Misdemeanor Drug Court Program was highlighted in the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals’ February 2023 newsletter.
Chief Judge Jack Tuter was praised for his leadership in maintaining the Drug Court Program at the 17th Circuit. The Honorable Kenneth A. Gottlieb was also acknowledged for his leadership with the Drug Court Program and contributed to this edition of the newsletter with a brief article detailing what the program is able to do for individuals who have issues with substance abuse.
For more information about the MDCP and other information from the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals, click on the link below:
https://www.17th.flcourts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FDCA-Newsletter-Feature.pdf
A select group of students from American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus, visited the 17th Judicial Courthouse under the guidance of Laurie Spector, JD MBA.
Students had the opportunity to visit several locations within the courthouse and get a closer look at what a career in law could potentially look like.
After speaking with Judicial Staff Attorney’s Megan E. Zbikowski, Dharma Sierra and Ashley Bober, students had the opportunity to meet with the Honorable Stacy Schulman, who shared her journey to the bench and her experience with a career in law.
The Honorable Florence Taylor Barner visited the fifth grade students of Harbordale Elementary in Fort Lauderdale, FL on February 24, 2023.
The school requested that Judge Barner visit for their career day to discuss what it is like to become a judge and what her experience has been in her role.
Congratulations to Team Dolphin from Fort Lauderdale High School!
On Friday, February 24, 2023, the students of Fort Lauderdale High’s Pre-Law and Public Affairs Magnet Program participated in the finale of a mock trial where the best team was awarded for their ability to follow the trial process and how well they were able to interpret the law.
The Honorable Jack Tuter presided over the trial portion, while the Honorable Betsy Benson and Chief Assistant State Attorney Gina Faulk served as judges for the competition and gave a summarized critique at the end to review the students’ strengths and weaknesses that were displayed during the competition.
