Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Soon-to-retire Chief Judge Jack Tuter got a surprise on Thursday when members of the South Broward Bar Association showed up in his courtroom with a token of their appreciation for his years of public service. The lawyers presented Judge Tuter with a plaque bearing these words: “For your outstanding years of service, unwavering support, and invaluable contributions to the South Broward Bar Association. Your dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve.” We couldn’t agree more. You will be greatly missed Judge Tuter! South Broward Bar Association

Fourth and fifth graders from Floranada Elementary School got a chance on Thursday to learn first-hand about the judiciary when Judge Tabitha B. Eves stopped by to visit on Career Day. Judge Eves answered questions about what it means to be a judge, showed students her robe and took pictures with the class during her visit.??#17thjudteam

Check out the article in The Florida Bar on our new Magistrate! https://lnkd.in/e2uA8bem

Hands-on learning can be so much fun! Today a group of 7th graders from St. Bonaventure Catholic School visited Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court, Judge Carlos S. Rebollo in Juvenile Court and Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo in Circuit Court criminal where they peppered the judges with lots of questions, learned how First Appearance Court works and observed kids their own age in handcuffs. They also tried on Judge Mastrarrigo's robe, sat on her bench and visited her jury room. A good time was had by all! #17thjudteam

Our newest Magistrate Hilary A. Creary! https://lnkd.in/efgG5KyE

Did you know that one of our staff attorneys used to be an elected Wilton Manors official? Meet Craig Sherritt, a senior trial court staff attorney who served two terms as a Wilton Manors commissioner from 2000 to 2008, and served as vice mayor of "The Island City" from 2004 to 2006. He is also a former Legal Aid attorney and a former assistant attorney general in the civil rights division, where he served under Attorney General Bob Butterworth. "I love the people I work with. I've never met a more dedicated and highly professional group of co-workers," Craig said. "This is the best job I've ever had," he added. Fun fact about Craig: He loves criminal law, loves preparing court orders, loves writing, and is a stickler for grammar and punctuation. We are fortunate to have you on our team! #17thjudteam

The Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court held its Annual Professionalism Luncheon at the Tower Club on March 12th and attendance included some starpower: Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel was the keynote speaker. Chief Judge Elect Lisa-Carol Phillips gave the State of the Circuit address and Judge Jackie Powell, president of the Executive Board, sang the National Anthem. Other judges in attendance included Yael Gamm, Mindy Brown, John B. Bowman, Martin Bidwill, Michelle Towbin-Singer, Kathleen McCarthy and Tabitha B. Eves. General Counsel Patricia Judge-Lashley also attended. Judges Phillips and Powell conducted a Q&A session at the event.

Another courthouse tour, another day of amazing hands-on learning, this time for the students at St. Bonaventure Catholic School. The 7th graders visited the courtroom of Judge Stacy Ross and then met with Judge Thomas J. Coleman, who took them into his jury room where he gave an impromptu class in civics. The students also met with Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez in the Courthouse law library, where they peppered both with lots of questions. @scschargers @browardstateattorney @browarddefender

Five judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit spent a recent Sunday afternoon at the Courthouse judging the Nova Law School National Mock Trial Competition — the Shark Beach Showdown. The case centered on a dicey murder with the assertion of a stand your ground defense and competition was fierce with students from 26 schools from across the United States competing. Judges Peter Holden, Daniel J. Kanner, Kal Evans, Florence Taylor Barner and Betsy Benson judged the Finals with the best two teams standing. Thank you judges for making this experience so exceptional! @nsulawcollege

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated nine notable women in recognition of Women’s History Month during a special “Unsung Heroes” program on Friday that unfolded before a crowd packed with well wishers, judges, attorneys, Court Administration employees and other dignitaries. The event was coordinated by Judge Michele Towbin Singer with assistance from the Broward County Bar Association. Honorees included Jean Ansourian, Anita Browning, Wendy Buchanan, Ta’Veca Collins, Carla Gardner, Rebecca McGuire, Susan Nymora, Ella Phillips and Debbie Rivero. Congratulations to all. An amazing program! @browardbar