Pine Ridge Students Experience the Law Firsthand

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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 Sallie James — November 12, 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 Sallie James — 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 Sallie James — November 6, 2025 in Announcements

Judges Share Expertise at Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies

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.

by Sallie James — November 3, 2025 in Announcements

From Courtroom to Crime Lab: Students Explore Justice System

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!

by Sallie James — October 31, 2025 in Announcements

A Midday Stroll for Health and Connection

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!

by Sallie James — October 29, 2025 in Announcements