Judge Betsy Benson was honored by Mayor of Broward County Lamar Fisher and the
coordinators of Community Court Pompano Beach with the key to Broward County on
Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Judge Benson received the honor for her hard work and dedication to serving the
community of Broward County and helping those in need.
Several 17th Circuit judges joined the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation and the Young Lawyers Section to participate in the annual Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Ten teams of Students from various law schools throughout the state competed to win, with Stetson University College of Law taking first place as the plaintiff team, and St Thomas University College of Law coming in second place as the defense team. Judicial staff that participated in the mock trail included Judges Elaine A. Carbuccia, Kenneth A. Gottlieb, Gary M. Farmer, Jr., Michele Towbin Singer, Jackie Powell, Francis Viamontes, Jessica M. Marra, and Magistrate Lucy Ramos Miller.
La Kita O’Donnell, Court Program Specialist III, represented the 17th Judicial Circuit
while attending a training titled “Purposes and Responsibilities of Courts”, hosted by the
9th Judicial Circuit.
The training covered several different topics including a review of the Magna Carta and
a full breakdown of the United States Constitution. Court Program Specialist III
O’Donnell was also on the winning team of an informative debate about AI and the
American Judicial System.
The 17th Circuit was featured on the Community Spotlight segment from WSVN-Channel 7 News on
Friday, November 3, 2023. In the segment, the 17th Circuit was highlighted for the Community Court
program with success stories shared from both Judge Florence Taylor Barner and Community Court
Graduate Diana Thar.
The segment also follows Ms. Thar’s journey and her response to receiving aid
from strangers during a time of need.
For the full news story, visit WSVN-Channel 7 at the link provided below:
The Honorable Florence Taylor Barner delivered the keynote address at the BSO’s Corrections Officers Crisis Intervention Training’s Graduating Class 14 on Friday, November 3, 2023. Corrections Officers who complete the training become certified in handling crisis and high stress encounters while learning how to diffuse them for the best resolution.
The seventh grade students of Central Charter School in Fort Lauderdale came to visit the 17th Circuit courthouse for a guided tour on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
The seventh graders spoke with the Honorable Yael Gaam, who gave students the opportunity to participate in a brief mock trial. The students also spoke with the Honorable Phoebee Francois, who answered questions and shared detailed examples of the trial process.
