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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
Congratulations to Magistrate Denise Kistner!

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!

#BrowardCourts #JudicialCircuit17 #SwearingIn #Welcome #CourtFamily #NewMagistrate

by — November 10, 2025 in Announcements
Teens from Seagull Alternative High School Explore Justice in Action

Students from Fort Lauderdale’s Seagull Alternative High School got an inside look at the justice system during a courthouse tour that included visits with Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court and Judge Stacy Ross in Delinquency Court.

They observed detention hearings, watched as inmates appeared before Judge Friedman via video call, and wrapped up their visit at the Lamar Warren Law Library, where they learned the art of fingerprinting from a Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab expert.

The day ended with an interactive Q&A led by a Public Defender’s Office community outreach coordinator, who shared insight into the vital role public defenders play in the courtroom.

by — November 6, 2025 in Announcements
All Broward Courts Closed on Veterans Day

In observance of Veterans Day, all courts in the 17th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 in honor of those who served and those who continue to serve.

This includes:

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

Regular court operations will resume on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.

by — November 6, 2025 in Announcements
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