A Morning in the Courthouse

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A Morning in the Courthouse

Students from Piney Grove Academy in Lauderdale Lakes got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the justice system this week. They observed a murder trial in Judge Andrew L. Siegel’s courtroom, witnessed the fast-paced intensity of Judge Florence Taylor Barner’s small claims court, and learned about the role of the Public Defender’s Office from Chief Assistant Public Defender John James.

The students also heard what a day in the life of a digital court reporter looks like from Court Reporter Donald Brown and met a latent fingerprint analyst from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

It was a busy, fast-moving morning filled with questions, observation, and learning, giving students valuable insight into what truly happens inside a courthouse. #CivicEducation

by Sallie James — February 18, 2026 in Announcements

Welcome to the Bench, Judge Achille!

Judge Pascale Achille, the newest judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit, was formally welcomed on Friday during a traditional investiture ceremony held before a courtroom filled with family, colleagues, and well-wishers.

Judge Achille is assigned to the Circuit’s Family Division and brings a wealth of experience to the bench. She previously served for 12 years as an Assistant State Attorney with the Broward State Attorney’s Office, including membership in the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018, and earlier assignments in the Sexual Battery and Career Criminal units. Before her prosecutorial career, Judge Achille spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs, and arguing cases before the Second and Fifth District Courts of Appeal.

Congratulations, Judge Achille—we are thrilled to have you on our team.

by Sallie James — February 13, 2026 in Announcements

Celebrating Court Reporting & Captioning Week 2026

It’s 2026 Court Reporting & Captioning Week, and the 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to recognize the vital work done every day—often behind the scenes—by our outstanding digital court reporters. Their dedication and precision ensure an accurate record of court proceedings and help keep the business of the courts running smoothly.

A big thank-you to our incredible team of digital court reporters for their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to justice.

#PeaceLoveSteno

by Sallie James — February 10, 2026 in Announcements

Celebrating Excellence: Honoring the Black Judiciary of the 17th Judicial Circuit

Judges and magistrates from the 17th Judicial Circuit—joined by a large contingent of attorneys and community partners—came together to celebrate the Circuit’s Black judiciary during a Black History Month event on Feb. 5th at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law in Davie.

The program featured powerful remarks from Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Florida Bar President Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes, and Broward Bar Association Executive Director Braulio Rosa. The celebration concluded on a high note with a spirited round of Judicial Jeopardy, as judges competed for top honors and bragging rights.

The event highlighted the profound contributions of our Black judges and the strength, leadership, and perspective they bring to our judiciary.

by Sallie James — February 6, 2026 in Announcements

International Delegation Explores Anti-Trafficking Efforts

Fourteen delegates representing eight African nations visited the courtroom of Judge Stacy Ross this week to learn how our courts—along with key service providers—are working to combat human trafficking. Several members of the delegation brought professional backgrounds in law enforcement and the legal field.

The visitors from Global Ties International hailed from Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea, and Senegal. Their U.S. tour also included stops in Orlando, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and El Paso, as they gathered insight into how court systems across the country address the complex issue of human trafficking.

The exchange was a fascinating and meaningful experience for both our judiciary and the visiting delegates, offering an opportunity to share perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and learn from one another.

by Sallie James — February 6, 2026 in Announcements

Inside the Courthouse …

Students from South Plantation High School got an up-close look at justice in action this week during a courthouse tour that included Judge Corey B. Friedman’s first appearance court and the juvenile courts of Judges Elijah H. Williams and Michael J. Orlando.

Members of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence mentoring program also had the opportunity to meet Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, Broward Public Defender’s Community Outreach Coordinator Janelle Floyd, and Sanissa Macko, a DNA analyst with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

Together, these experiences gave students a well-rounded understanding of the many essential roles played by judges, attorneys, assistant state attorneys, assistant public defenders, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and the support professionals who help the justice system function every day.

by Sallie James — February 5, 2026 in Announcements