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
February News Round Up Twelfth Judicial Circuit judges have been busy the month of February. They presided over wedding vow renewal ceremonies at sunset; presided over Veterans Amnesty Court; hosted a civics class in the courtroom; mingled and networked with fellow judges and lawyers at the annual Java with the Judges event; and one even published a new book to share the circuit’s legal history with others in the profession. February 28, 2025 Read Full Article
The first 1,000 days Early Childhood Court, created in 2019, is a problem-solving court in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit that aims to end the intergenerational cycle of child maltreatment in families with children aged 0-5. The first thing you’ll notice in a session of Early Childhood Court (ECC) is the setup of the courtroom. Proceedings in this problem-solving court are much less formal, with people sitting around a table having a conversation, and there are dogs! February 10, 2025 Read Full Article
Circuit mourns passing of Retired Judge Thomas M. Gallen, Jr. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is mourning the loss of one of its distinguished citizens, former legislator, veteran, volunteer and retired Circuit Court Judge Thomas M. Gallen, Jr., who passed away at the age of 92 on February 5, 2025. February 07, 2025 Read Full Article
Circuit judge renews board certification in criminal trial law Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio has been recertified by The Florida Bar as Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law, from August 1, 1994 to July 31, 2029. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 1984, first granted status as a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law on August 1, 1994, and has since continuously maintained his certification. January 10, 2025 Read Full Article
Circuit announces its holiday schedule Read the schedule to learn when court facilities will be open and closed during the Christmas and New Year holidays. December 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Judge trades courtroom for a classroom Circuit Judge Charles Williams visited a local elementary school to mark Bucket Fillers Reading Day. The annual event, sponsored by the Embracing Our Differences organization, deploys volunteers to classrooms throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties to read and gift students with books that encourage kindness and positive behavior. November 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Not all heroes wear capes The Twelfth Judicial Circuit observed National Adoption Day on November 15, 2024. Sixteen families from around the circuit participated in a ceremony held at the Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota. November 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Annual event aims to help veterans get back on the road Circuit Judge Lon Arend presided over the annual session of Veterans Amnesty Court, a component of Manatee County Stand Down event, a health and wellness expo that targets veterans. November 05, 2024 Read Full Article