News & Information

Two local attorneys receive circuit's annual professionalism award

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Charles Roberts presented two local attorneys with the annual Jim Slater Award for Professionalism in a virtual ceremony Friday. This year it was a tie between a defense attorney and a prosecutor. Twelfth Circuit judges selected assistant public defender (recently retired) Tom Fielding and assistant state attorney Kate Wallace for their professionalism in the practice of criminal law and awarded them both with the 2021 Jim Slater Award for Professionalism.

Code of judicial conduct limits what judges can read, discuss about cases

Have you ever checked your favorite news source and read a story that troubled you? An unfortunate situation has befallen another and you feel a need to do something, anything, to help that person. Sometimes such actions involve showing your support or speaking your mind in a tweet, IG post, letter to a CEO, newspaper, or elected official.

Guess what happens if you write to a judge to show your support or speak your mind on a particular matter when you are not personally involved in that matter? Mostly nothing happens.

Happy 234th birthday to the U.S. Constitution

September 17 is the day the government of the United States of America, the great experiment, was born with the signing of the U.S. Constitution. This special document turns 234-years-old this year and we thought a great way to celebrate it would be to learn more about it.

Chief Justice raises awareness of opioid, stimulant use with proclamation

To raise awareness about opioid and stimulant use issues and disorders, and to highlight solutions involving the courts, Chief Justice Charles T. Canady issued a proclamation ​establishing September 2021 “as a month of awareness, training, and action regarding opioids, stimulants, and treatment for related substance use disorders.” 

Court employee's dedication to profession is 'PDI'

Congratulations to Dana Yawn, Guardianship Monitor (Sarasota), who is adding to her growing list of accomplishments. Dana recently passed the clinical social work examination and will soon add more initials after her name.

Judges recognize Florida's county judicial assistants with high honor

The county court judicial assistants of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court, and all county court judicial assistants throughout Florida, were recognized with the Non-Judicial Award at the Conference for County Court Judges of Florida’s annual meeting in July. It is the highest award possible for non-judicial members.

Aug. 20 investiture ceremony cancelled

We are disappointed to announce that the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court must postpone the August 20th investiture ceremony of Judge Gould and Judge Steele. It was a difficult decision to make but please understand that our primary goal is to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible.

Masks are required to enter court buildings

Chief Judge Charles Roberts issued Administrative Order 2021-15a.2 requiring face masks in all public areas of the circuit’s courthouses.

Work project alters walkways around Sarasota's judicial center

Installation of the new chiller plant pipe is continuing to progress along Ringling Boulevard, which will alter pedestrian access to the Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota. The week of August 2, the contractor will extend the fencing to the walkway in front of the Judicial Center, running parallel to Ringling Boulevard.

Judicial assistants, court manager receive circuit's highest honor

Engraved, glass star is awarded to employees who exhibit the court’s motto, “Whatever It Takes!”