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:
Regular court operations will resume on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.
Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit recently headed to Orlando for the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies where Judges Lauren M. Alperstein, Elaine A. Carbuccia, and Kristen R. Kanner served as instructors in the Family Law Track. The trio shared their experience while also continuing their own professional growth.
Other participating judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit included Judges Fabienne E. Fahnestock, Francis Viamontes, Natasha DePrimo, Thomas J. Coleman, Martin S. Fein, Jose Izquierdo and Stacey Schulman.
The annual program provides a forum for Florida’s judges to learn, collaborate, and stay ahead of emerging legal issues. The program offers comprehensive continuing judicial education courses for Florida’s trial and appellate court judges, magistrates, and hearing officers.
The College provides judges with an opportunity to sharpen their skills and dive deeply into specialized areas of the law.
Kudos to our judges whose leadership reflects our Circuit’s commitment to lifelong learning, elevating the judiciary, and giving back to the legal community.
Students in grades 6–12 from J.P. Taravella High School’s Women of Tomorrow mentorship program got a firsthand look at the justice system this week!
Their experience included visits to the courtrooms of Judge Michael G. Kaplan and Judge Elijah H. Williams, where they observed proceedings and learned about the judicial process. They also heard an informative presentation from Jorge Bello, Manager of the Firearms & Tool Mark Unit at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, and gained insights into defense representation from Janelle Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Public Defender’s Office.
From real-life law and order moments in the courtroom to a CSI-style look at forensic science, the students explored multiple sides of the justice system — wrapping up with a visit to the Lamar Warren Law Library.
Thank you to all who helped inspire the next generation of leaders!
Trading computer screens for river views, nearly 30 Court Administration employees on Tuesday stepped outside for a Health and Wellness Riverwalk on October 28, 2025. Employees enjoyed a brisk 15–20 minute walk along the New River — a perfect way to get some fresh air, stretch their legs, and recharge together.
These Riverwalks offer a simple but meaningful reminder that a few steps can go a long way toward better health and workplace camaraderie. Until next time!
Last week, representatives from Pompano Community Court, including County Court Judge Betsy Benson and other Pompano Court staff, attended the countywide Education and Employment Resource Expo in Lauderdale Lakes. The Pompano team connected with residents, shared information about court programs, and supported participants in accessing resources.
The event featured employers, educators, apprenticeships, GED programs, free health services, expungement information, community partners, free clothing, haircuts, and refreshments — all designed to help residents build a brighter future.
A big thank you to our vendors, partners, and participants who made this outreach event a success!
Students from Hallandale High School, Nova Middle and High Schools, and Millennium 6-12 on Friday took part in the Informed Voters Project, a collaboration between the 17th Judicial Circuit, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, and Broward County Public Schools.
They learned about the judicial system, the importance of voting, and the process of becoming a judge through presentations by judges, an attorney, and representatives from the Supervisor of Elections office, then tested their knowledge in a lively game of Jeopardy!
Participating judges included Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Judge Giuseppina Miranda, Judge Florence Taylor Barner, Judge Jose Izquierdo, Judge Michael Robinson, Judge Stacey Schulman, and Judge Natasha DePrimo.
