Celebrating Black History Month with a Friendly Game Show Competition

A spirited Jeopardy! game that focused on Black history trivia was the centerpiece of a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 13 that honored more than a dozen of Broward’s Black judges and magistrates. The event – which pitted judge against judge – kicked off with speakers and presentations at NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law and ended with a game show competition that devolved in laughter. The amazing event was sponsored by the The T.J. Reddick Bar Association, the Broward County Bar Association and the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Chief Judge Jack Tuter Announces May 1st Retirement, Plans to Enter Private Practice

Chief Judge Jack Tuter this week announced he will retire on May 1st and enter private practice. Judge Tuter notified Gov. Ron DeSantis of his pending retirement in a letter on Feb. 10th. Judge Tuter was appointed to the bench in 2005, elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2014 and 2020. He has served as the Circuit’s Chief Judge for the past eight years. Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will follow Judge Tuter as Chief Judge. “It has been my honor to serve the people of the State of Florida and Citizens of Broward County for the past 20 years,” Judge Tuter said. Thank you for your service. You will be greatly missed.

Learning Ways to Improve Public Trust

Our very own Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico and hundreds of other court administration personnel from across the country met in Atlantic City, NJ, last week for the mid-year conference of the National Association for Court Management (NACM). Discussion focused on the theme: “Taking Action on Public Trust and Confidence.” Joe is the co-editor Court Manager, a national publication that focuses on ethics and the courts, technology and the judiciary and court management issues. Kudos to our public servants for always trying to do better! Pictured left to right: Stacey Hoskins (10th Circuit Chief Deputy Court Administrator); Elizabeth Garber (2nd Circuit TCA); Joe D’Amico (17th Circuit TCA); Holly Elomina (16th Circuit TCA).

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Bake Sale Makes Valentine’s Day Extra Sweet!

The Broward County Judicial Assistant Association’s Valentine’s Day bake sale was a sugary dream with its fancy cookies, frosted cup cakes, homemade brownies and dozens of donuts. Think pink! The event reflected the “heart” work by the JAs of the 17th Judicial Circuit who know exactly what it takes to pull off such a yummy event. The delicious spread appealed to the sweet tooth in just about everyone who passed by their table of goodies. Thank you Judicial Assistants for such a lovely event. #17thJudTeam

Guilty or Not Guilty? Homeschoolers “Try” Their Case in County Court Mock Trial

Would-be lawyers from the Trial Advocacy Skills Institute TASI JR Mock Trial Advanced Homeschool Program had their day in court this week during a mock trial competition. The students argued their cases before County Court Judge Kal Evans, who presided during the students’ mock trial. A great experience made possible by judges who devote their time and expertise to make such experiences fun and educational. #17thJudTeam

Celebrating Outstanding Effort

Congratulations to Judicial Staff Attorney Megan Zbikowski, recipient of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s 2024 James E. Lowry III, Award for Staff Attorney Excellence. The award is presented annually to one Judicial Staff Attorney who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the position, exceeds expectations, enhances confidence in the judiciary and assists in ensuring that proceedings run smoothly and efficiently. Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico presented Megan with the award today.

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