All Posts in "Court Updates"

Tears, Smiles & New Beginnings: 16 Adoptions Finalized in Broward

National Adoption Day at the Broward County Courthouse on Nov. 22 was filled with tears of joy, megawatt smiles, and plenty of laughter. Judges Jose Izquierdo, Yael Gamm, John B. Bowman and Stacy Schulman finalized 16 adoptions, creating forever homes for these wonderful children. Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips was also on hand to lead the opening ceremony and offer congratulations to all the families who opened their hearts to adoption.

The celebration was full of fun — face painting, games, a robotic photo booth, food, cake, candy, balloons, and gifts. One attendee called it “the best day ever in the courthouse,” and by all accounts it truly was.

Congratulations to the children and their new families! #foreverfamily

by — November 24, 2025 in Announcements
Broward Courts to Close for Thanksgiving Holiday

All Broward courts will close on Nov. 27-28th in observance of the holiday. The 17th Judicial Circuit wishes you and your family a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving. The courts will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1st.

The holiday closure includes:

  • Broward County Judicial Complex (Main Courthouse) – Fort Lauderdale
  • North Regional Courthouse – Deerfield Beach
  • South Regional Courthouse – Hollywood
  • West Regional Courthouse – Plantation

by — November 24, 2025 in Announcements
Honoring Families on National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day is just around the corner and preparations are underway for a day of festivities! Seventeen children ranging in age from toddlers to teens will be formally adopted this Saturday
during a fun-filled celebration at the Broward County Courthouse. The event will feature games, gifts and lots of joy. According to Judge John B. Bowman, “This is probably the most important day of their life.” The aim of National Adoption Day is to shine a light on this issue and stir interest in the children who are waiting to be placed in forever homes, while also celebrating those that have been adopted. Read our press release HERE.

by — November 19, 2025 in Court Updates
A Horse in Court? Of Course!

Video was rolling and cameras were snapping as Judge Ari Abraham Porth welcomed a very special guest to court today — Pegasus, a 4-year-old miniature therapy horse!

Decked out in a robe, curly wig, and droopy necktie, Pegasus caused quite a stir as he cleared courthouse security, rode the elevator, and made his way to Judge Porth’s felony mental health court.

His visit, done in collaboration with Meraki Behavioral Health, highlighted the benefits of equine therapy in promoting emotional regulation, trust building, and stress reduction.

Pegasus posed for photos, nuzzled admirers, and lunged with delight at the sight of carrots — bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

Pegasus is owned by Alexandra Ramos and collaborates with Lindsay Wallick, founder and president of Meraki Behavioral Health.

by — November 13, 2025 in Announcements
Pine Ridge Students Experience the Law Firsthand

Students from Pine Ridge Education Center in Davie saw the law in action during a courthouse tour this week that took them to the courtrooms of County Court Judge Chris Brown and Circuit Court Judge Elijah H. Williams. The students also heard presentations from the Broward State Attorney’s Office, the Broward Public Defender’s Office, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

They observed court hearings, asked thoughtful questions, and even heard from juveniles currently in custody.

The visit offered a real-world look at the justice system and the important roles it plays in our community.
Thank you to all the court personnel who helped make this meaningful experience possible!

by — November 12, 2025 in Announcements
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