Judge Robert W. Lee’s historic role in the controversial 2000 Recount that ultimately landed in the U.S. Supreme Court is detailed in an article in the Florida Bar News. Judge Lee was Chair of the Broward County Canvassing Board and a county judge for just three years when he was vaulted into the international spotlight in what would become one of the most bitterly contested elections in American history. Coincidentally, Judge Lee is retiring from the bench on the 25th Anniversary of Bush v. Gore, the Supreme Court case that sent George W. Bush to the White House instead of Al Gore. Judge Lee has served 27 years as a judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Read the Florida Bar News article HERE.

Fifteen students who participate in the HANDY program (Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth) recently met with Judges Jackie Powell and Betsy Benson during a courtroom Q&A where the students learned about court, careers and what it means to be a lawyer. Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and Broward Public Defender Gordon Weekes also fielded questions. Judge Powell organized the event after meeting with the students earlier in the year because she wanted to give them courtroom exposure and a chance to meet some community leaders. “My hope always is to influence, encourage and motivate the students to reach higher,” Judge Powell explained.