Busy day in court for students from St. Bonaventure Catholic School! The 7th graders visited our nationally acclaimed mentor drug court where they learned about Narcan, talked to a drug court graduate and witnessed how this problem-solving court is changing lives; stopped by the courtroom of Judge Peter Holden who allowed them to step into his jury room, try on his robe and hear the jury room buzzer; then finished up with Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo, who also let the students try on her robe, sit on the bench & in the jury box and ask lots of questions.

Hands-on learning can be so much fun! Today a group of 7th graders from St. Bonaventure Catholic School visited Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court, Judge Carlos S. Rebollo in Juvenile Court and Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo in Circuit Court criminal where they peppered the judges with lots of questions, learned how First Appearance Court works and observed kids their own age in handcuffs. They also tried on Judge Mastrarrigo’s robe, sat on her bench and visited her jury room. A good time was had by all!

Congratulations to the 17th Judicial Circuit’s newest Magistrate Hilary A. Creary, who was sworn in today by Chief Judge Jack Tuter. Magistrate Creary is the Circuit’s second Magistrate of Jamaican descent. The other is Magistrate Stephanie Matalon, who took the bench in January 2020. Magistrate Creary includes time as a former legal Aid attorney. She was sworn in today before a crowd of family, friends and well-wishers. Delighted to have you on board! #17thjudteam

The Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court held its Annual Professionalism Luncheon at the Tower Club on March 12th and attendance included some starpower: Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel was the keynote speaker. Chief Judge Elect Carol-Lisa Phillips gave the State of the Circuit address and Judge Jackie Powell, president of the Executive Board, sang the National Anthem. Other judges in attendance included Yael Gamm, Mindy Brown, John B. Bowman, Martin Bidwill, Kathleen McCarthy, Michelle Towbin-Singer and Tabitha B. Eves. General Counsel Patricia Judge-Lashley also attended. Judges Phillips and Powell conducted a Q&A session at the event.