Retiring Chief Judge Jack Tuter recently sat down with WLRN reporter Carlton Gillespie to recap his years as Chief Judge and discuss some of the challenges, highs and lows of his tenure in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Judge Tuter is retiring from the bench as of May 1st. Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will follow him as Chief Judge. Read WLRN’s article and listen to the radio broadcast HERE.
Approximately 60 high school students from schools across Broward County visited Judge Elijah H. Williams’ courtroom on Feb. 6th for Youth Leadership Broward Law Day. The students enjoyed a day of speakers, inspiration and hands on learning. Judge Williams has been hosting the instructive event in his courtroom annually for years. The event is sponsored by the Leadership Broward Foundation. @leadershipbroward #17thjudteam
(Photos courtesy of the Leadership Broward Foundation)
A group of middle schoolers from New Renaissance Middle School in Miramar witnessed the law in action during a recent courthouse visit. The students visited the courtroom of Judge Elijah H. Williams, where they asked questions, watched court proceedings and posed for pictures with Judge Williams. The students were part of the 5000 Role Models Mentoring program, a program established in 1993 by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson to inspire the next generation of leaders and influence the youth to become well-rounded adults. Thank you judge for being an inspiration to these youth!
Congratulations Judges Johnathan D. Lott and Lauren N. Peffer on your Investitures today! Judge Lott presides in Family Court in Fort Lauderdale and Judge Peffer presides in County Court at the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. In attendance today was County Mayor Mark D. Bogen, Chief Judge Jack Tuter, a host of judges and lots of family and friends. Many thanks to the Broward County Bar Association for organizing this event. Welcome to the 17th Judicial Circuit Judges Lott and Peffer! We are delighted to have you on the team!
Eight judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit recently attended the Friendship Circle’s Annual Luncheon, a nonprofit which provides services for youth and adults with special needs. The staff at the Friendship Grill is comprised of special needs adults. Attending judges at the 1/26/2025 event included Tabitha B. Eves, Michael I. Rothschild, Lorena V. Mastrarrigo, Kim Theresa Mollica, Michael Davis, Ari Abraham Porth, Melinda Brown and Chris Brown. An incredible group that does so much good in our community!
Happy first birthday Hollywood Community Court and presiding Judge Corey A. Cawthon. Amazing job! The Caring Place, where court is held, was packed this week for a one-year celebration marked by speeches, sweets and lots of joyful hugs. Hollywood Community Court is a unique venue that changes lives with compassion and caring. The City of Hollywood noticed and issued a proclamation honoring the court’s one-year anniversary. The 17th Judicial Circuit also operates Community Courts in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, where Judges Florence Taylor Barner and Betsy Benson preside. Judge Cawthon, working with the City of Hollywood and a huge array of service providers has held more than 600 hearings in the past year and paved the way for nine graduations from the program. Keep up the amazing work. Read our press release HERE. Watch the City of Hollywood’s video HERE.
