Visiting the Courthouse & Learning About the Law

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Visiting the Courthouse & Learning About the Law

Students from Sawgrass Springs Middle School got a close up look at how court interpreters do their job, then visited Judges Michael J. Orlando, Deborah Carpenter-Toye and retiring Judge Robert F. Diaz in their respective courtrooms. Each judge took time to explain the in-progress proceedings, then fielded questions from the students during impromptu Q&A sessions. Special thanks to Phillippe Dumoulin, who took time to explain and then demonstrate how court interpreting works so the students could watch and learn.

by Sallie James — December 10, 2024 in Announcements

Celebrating Our Judicial Assistants With Holiday Cheer – and Plenty of Sweets!

A big shout out to the hard-working judicial assistants who keep the judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit organized and on track year round. Behind the scenes, they schedule hearings, update judges’ calendars and zip in and out of the case management system making sure everything falls into place at the right time. Judges and their judicial assistants this week celebrated the upcoming holidays with a hot lunch, sweet treats and a few party hats during the annual festivity. A good time was had by all. Happy Holidays!

by Sallie James — December 5, 2024 in Announcements

The 17th Judicial Circuit Welcomes Johnathan D. Lott to the Bench

The 17th Judicial Circuit is pleased to welcome Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnathan D. Lott as its newest judge. Judge Lott will fill the vacancy left by Circuit Judge John Murphy III, who resigned on August 1st after 20 years on the bench. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Lott to the vacancy on Nov. 25th. Judge Lott will take over Judge Francis Viamontes’ division in family court and Judge Viamontes will move to a felony criminal division. Judge Lott will begin his service on Jan. 1, 2025. Read our press release HERE.

by Sallie James — December 3, 2024 in Announcements

Judges Share Insights & Advice with Students During Courthouse Tour

A group of students enrolled in the Community Reconstruction Inc. (CRI) D.A.Y program met judges in three different courtrooms, asked questions and observed justice in progress during a recent courthouse tour. CRI creates opportunities for youth to transform their own lives by fostering behavioral changes that promote personal responsibility, healthy relationships, and positive contributions to society. The students met with Judges Elijah H. Williams, Ari Abraham Porth and Yael Gamm. Plenty of great questions made the day interesting!

by Sallie James — December 2, 2024 in Announcements

UM Wins Mock Trial Competition!

University of Miami Law School was the winner in a recent mock trial competition at the Broward County Courthouse. Competing were student “lawyers” from nine law schools: UF, FSU, Stetson, Barry, Nova, UM, St. Thomas, FIU, one out-of-state law school – William & Mary. The final rounds were (P) UM vs Barry (D) with Plaintiff’s jury verdict in favor of UM with Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips presiding. Many thanks to all who made this incredible event possible! @miamilawschool @florida_justice #17thjudicialcircuit

by Sallie James — November 21, 2024 in Announcements

Fort Lauderdale Homeschoolers Take Avengers to Court in Mock Trial

The Avengers were on trial for wrongful death, negligence and the intentional infliction of emotional distress and both sides were lawyered up. Counsel for both sides hailed from a Fort Lauderdale homeschool group that had honed their skills through the trial advocacy skills program created by a mom who was also a lawyer. Judges Robert F. Diaz and Kenneth A. Gottlieb presided over trials in two courtrooms and both sides presented their cases with finesse. The disability-friendly program included autistic, dyslexic and nonverbal “student “lawyers” who all knocked it out of the park. “They pushed so hard to learn the material and get past their personal struggles,” said program creator Leila Billings, a homeschool teacher and fulltime lawyer. “Growing their confidence and self esteem was the goal of this program.” Amazing program and talented students. So much fun to watch!

by Sallie James — November 20, 2024 in Announcements