Process Server application period runs now through Aug. 31 The application period to become a certified process server in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit begins today. Applicants must complete the online application, provide the application fee and upload all necessary documents between July 1 and August 31, 2025, to be approved for the certification period of September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026. July 01, 2025 Read Full Article
Judges, Sarasota Bar honor scholarship recipient Judges Kevin Bruning, Rochelle Curley, Stephen Walker and Charles Williams, along with members of the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA) Council for Diversity and Inclusion recently attended a reception to honor the 2025 Richard R. Garland Scholarship recipient, Aryione’ Bass. July 01, 2025 Read Full Article
New AO updates circuit's court reporting plan Chief Judge Diana Moreland has entered Administrative Order 2025-09.2, which updates the circuit’s court reporting plan. Court users will continue to see Official Court Reporters in felony trials and capital cases, as well the Digital Court Recording system, but we are excited to introduce a new court reporting method. June 30, 2025 Read Full Article
Juneteenth: A day of recognition, restoration and celebration The next court holiday is Juneteenth, a curious sounding day and one that holds great importance in our nation’s history. June 09, 2025 Read Full Article
Magistrates needed in Sarasota The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is seeking licensed attorneys to fill two magistrate positions in Sarasota County: a family magistrate in Venice and a civil magistrate in Sarasota. These quasi-judicial officers are responsible for conducting hearings, entering recommended orders to the family or civil judge and presiding over Baker Act and Marchman Act hearings. June 02, 2025 Read Full Article
Retired Judge James S. Parker passes away at age 81 It is with deep sorrow that the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court announces that retired Judge James Smiley Parker, Jr. has passed away. He was 81 years old. May 29, 2025 Read Full Article
When one rises, we all rise Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many people cycle in and out of the justice system. Problem-solving courts aim to break the cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and judicial supervision. May 15, 2025 Read Full Article
Law Day celebrates promise of Constitution: Out of many, one May 1st is the day we celebrate the rule of law. This year's theme, "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One," reminds us that "We, the people" must work together every day to fulfill that promise. To mark the day, we asked legal professionals what the rule of law means to them, how lawyers protect individual rights in our community, and what citizens can do to fulfill the promise of “E pluribus unum,” out of many, one. May 01, 2025 Read Full Article
Fostering a sense of resilience Some people that find themselves in the justice system have experienced significant trauma and stress. A resilience-oriented courtroom means that all participants – judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, and other stakeholders – recognize that. Rather than focusing on punishment, resilience-oriented courtrooms provide a safe space that promotes healing, support and a sense of agency to an individual. Judges in problem-solving courts have long been proponents of resilience-oriented courtrooms because they see the results. March 24, 2025 Read Full Article
Strong mentorships lead to a better judiciary You’ve been elected by voters or appointed by the governor to fill a judicial vacancy. As an attorney, you are accustomed to arguing your case in front of a judge. As a judge, you will become the person responsible for calling the balls and strikes in the courtroom and you will need to transition from advocate to umpire. How do you learn to be a circuit court or county court judge? March 07, 2025 Read Full Article