Local judges involved in group that holds legal profession to higher standards

The American Inns of Court recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. The organization is dedicated to fostering “professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence,” in the legal field and judiciary through “example, education and mentoring.” At the local level, several judges are involved in chapters of the American Inns of Court, and they have kicked off their membership year with new officers, including Judge Dana Moss and Judge Jacqueline Steele, who are helming their respective organizations as president.

Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh

Options Court aims to give youth power to feel safe

On October 9th Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh presided over the Twelfth Circuit’s first session of Options Court. Modeled after a program in the Thirteenth Circuit, Options Court is focused on youths in delinquency and dependency court who have a history of running away from home.

Attorneys: Apply now for a JCID

Attorneys looking for a faster way to get through the security checkpoint at judicial centers in Bradenton and Sarasota have until November 30, 2023, to submit their application for the JCID card, which will be valid until November 30, 2024.

Judges meet, learn from peers at national child welfare conference

Circuit Judges Teri Dees and Andrea McHugh recently attended the 17th annual Cross Sites Meeting in National Harbor, MD, just outside Washington, D.C. The theme this year was focused on “growing connections, capacity and relationships.” The Cross Sites Meeting is a program of ZERO TO THREE, an organization committed to ensuring that babies and toddlers are given a “strong start in life.”

New magistrate joins Circuit in South County

Exciting things are happening in the South County Courthouse and throughout the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to increase citizens’ access to the courts. The Circuit is pleased to announce that the South County Courthouse has a new part-time General Magistrate now that Natalya Evans has joined the Circuit in this quasi-judicial officer role.