The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the Florida Panthers second Stanley Cup win in a colorful show of support for this amazing team! Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico encouraged employees to celebrate the team’s huge victory by donning Panthers merch. And they did not disappoint! Among the fans? Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Nina W. DiPietro. Go Panthers!
One of the most important Constitutional rights we have as Americans is the right to a trial by jury—but that right only exists if people like YOU step up and serve.
When you’re called for jury duty, you’re not just answering a summons—you’re answering a call to civic responsibility.
✅ Jurors are randomly selected from the Florida Driver Licenses Database.
✅ You must be 18+ and a resident of Broward County.
✅ You only serve once per calendar year.
✅ Selection happens through a fair process called voir dire.
⚖️ Your voice matters. Your service counts.
Ignoring your Jury Summons could result in a $100 fine or Contempt of Court—but more importantly, it means missing your chance to help justice be served.
The 17th Circuit was proud to be part of the June 12th, 2025 Homeless Community Symposium in Hollywood.
Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Florence Taylor Barner shared insights from Community Court—where low-level offenses are met with solutions like treatment and service, not jail.
Also representing the circuit was Judge Corey A. Cawthon, who presides in Hollywood Community Court. Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Pompano Beach Community Court, was unable to attend. More than 100 attendees and service providers attended the event, focused on supporting the homeless population with dignity and care.
A powerful event highlighting real justice, rooted in care. #CommunityCourt #JusticeWithDignity #17thCircuit
Community Court is all about celebrating success stories! Meet County Court Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Community Court in Pompano Beach, one of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s three courts created to assist the unhoused. Judge Benson addresses low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations that range from trespass and unlawful lodging, to park after hours and petty theft. Innovative solutions include community service hours, mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. Recent participants ranged in age from their mid-20s to older than age 65. However, criminal charges aren’t necessary to access the social services on hand. Helping to identify the root causes of homelessness to facilitate better outcomes is what the Community Court initiative is all about. Community Courts also operate in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Pompano Beach Community Court is held at the Annie L. Weaver Health Center, at 2011 NW Third Ave., Pompano Beach.
County Court Judge Florence Taylor Barner recently visited Lorah Park Elementary in the historic Brownsville neighborhood of Miami for Career Day. Students got the unique opportunity to observe virtual court, then have one-on-one time with Judge Barner in small groups to discuss civics, the Constitution, and how to become a judge. Afterwards, Judge Barner fielded questions from the class.
It was a day of fun and learning for a group of special needs adults from the Friendship Circle of Fort Lauderdale who observed some courtroom action, learned about courtroom protocols, met two judges, navigated the sprawling courthouse and even chatted with some college interns. The goal of the Friendship Circle program is to provide learning experiences that teach participants new life skills that will help them more easily navigate the world. Many thanks to Judges Mindy Brown, Michele Towbin Singer and Kenneth A. Gottlieb for making this visit so memorable!
