On March 29, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Jessica Costello to the Hillsborough County Court. “Ms. Costello’s work as a prosecutor in the Attorney General’s Office leaves no doubt that she is ready and qualified for this judgeship,” said Governor DeSantis. “She knows the issues of Hillsborough County well and that will […]
News & Featured Stories
Editorial: Special courts get well-deserved funds
The recent decision by the Florida Department of Children and Families to continue funding for the specialty courts is a testament to the efficacy of the overall program and, particularly, the persistent work of Judge Erika Quartermaine. Read the full article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Source: Sarasota Herald Tribune
Miami-Dade County Judge Michelle Barakat appointed to Eleventh Circuit Court
On March 27, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Michelle Alvarez Barakat to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court. Bakarat, 47, originally from Miami Beach, is a Cuban-American judge serving on the Miami-Dade County Court since 2013. She received her bachelor’s degree and her law degree from the University of Miami. Barakat fills the […]
Miami-Dade County Judge Tanya Brinkley appointed to Eleventh Circuit Court
On March 27, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Tanya Brinkley to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court. Brinkley, 52, originally from Pennsylvania, is an African American judge serving on the Miami-Dade County Court since 2013. She received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University and her law degree from the University of Miami School […]
Ask Judge Smith: Anniversaries, affirmations and the First Amendment
Read his recent column Anniversaries, affirmations and the First Amendment. Judge Layne Smith is a Leon County Court Judge who often speaks and writes about civics, the law, and the administration of justice. Source: Tallahassee Democrat
Leon County Judge Steve Everett Appointed to Second Circuit Bench
On March 19, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Judge Stephen Everett to the Second Circuit Court. The Second Circuit covers the following counties: Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla. “I’m impressed with Judge Everett’s judicial philosophy as he understands the role of a judge is in restraint,” said Governor DeSantis. “He […]
Bradford County Judge Tatum Davis gets help at First Appearance
CCCJF Eighth Circuit Representative, Judge Tatum Davis of Bradford County, got some help on the bench at First Appearance today. Source: Twitter @8CircuitFlorida
Dixie County Court Judge Jennifer Johnson Hosts 7th Graders
County Court Judge Jennifer Johnson of Dixie County hosted 7th graders in mock trials with students playing the role of jurors at the Dixie County Courthouse in Cross City during Judicial Outreach Week. Source: Twitter
Ask Judge Smith: Peas and Carrots
Read his recent column Learn the Peas and Carrots of our Legal System. Judge Layne Smith is a Leon County Court Judge who often speaks and writes about civics, the law, and the administration of justice. Source: Tallahassee Democrat