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:
Congratulations to Judge John D. Fry, recipient of the Broward County Bar Association’s Florida Patriot Award. Judge Fry, a former Marine, presides over county misdemeanor mental health court. This award recognizes veterans in the legal community whose service to our country and our community sets them apart. Judge Fry is truly a standout. We are proud to have you on our team!
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.
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.
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!
Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips swore in Magistrate Kistner today as the 17th Judicial Circuit’s newest magistrate. She officially assumes the bench today, succeeding longtime Magistrate Vicki Plant, who retired this month after 15 years of dedicated service.
A graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law, Magistrate Kistner previously ran her own law firm before joining the Circuit. Her mother, husband and son attended the ceremony in person, while her daughter joined via video call from Tampa, where she’s earning her master’s degree at the University of South Florida.
Welcome aboard, Magistrate Kistner — we’re delighted to have you on our team!
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