Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — The 17th Judicial Circuit of Broward County will experience significant changes as five of its long-standing judges plan to retire at the end of December. Together, they contribute to a formidable 125 years of judicial service, leaving a lasting impact on the legal proceedings and community they served.
The retiring judges are known for their extensive contributions to the judiciary and community alike. Robert F. Diaz, Louis H. Schiff, Robert W. Lee, John Murphy III, and Terri-Ann Miller represent a diverse array of judicial experiences and expertise. Their retirement signals the end of significant chapters in Broward County’s legal history.
Throughout his 32 years on the bench, County Judge Robert F. Diaz has not only served in Ft. Lauderdale but has also educated future legal minds as a law professor at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. Diaz’s courtroom has seen countless pivotal cases over the years.
Similarly, County Judge Louis H. Schiff, who has dedicated 28 years to the judiciary, has left his mark both in the courtroom and in legal education. Operating out of the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, Judge Schiff is also a published co-author focused on the intersection of baseball and law, providing a unique perspective on legal matters.
Known for his role in the 2000 presidential election recount, County Judge Robert W. Lee has served for 27 years. His work during the controversial recount gained national attention, underscoring the critical role judges play in electoral processes. Lee’s career has been marked by his judicial services in Ft. Lauderdale.
Circuit Judge John Murphy III, with a 20-year tenure, has handled significant tobacco litigation cases, demonstrating the extensive impact judiciary decisions can have on public health and corporate law. His expertise has been a cornerstone of legal proceedings in Ft. Lauderdale.
County Judge Terri-Ann Miller, meanwhile, has contributed 18 years of service at the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. Her retirement, like her colleagues’, marks the end of a significant era of judicial oversight and community service.
Their successors, Circuit Judge Johnathan D. Lott; and County Court Judges Lauren N. Peffer, Woody R. Clermont, Corey B. Friedman, and Kathleen E. Angione, are set to continue the legacy of their predecessors. These newly appointed judges will preside over various courthouses across Broward County, overseeing everything from family court matters to first appearances.
This judicial transition occurs within the 17th Circuit, the second-largest circuit court in Florida. With 90 judges, including 32 county court judges and 58 circuit judges, the circuit handles a broad range of legal issues, reflecting its critical role in the state’s judiciary system.
This shift not only highlights the routine nature of judicial retirements but also underscores the ongoing evolution of the legal landscape in Broward County. As these new judges take their oaths, the community watches closely, anticipating the new era of judgments and legal precedents that will continue to shape the lives of Florida’s citizens.
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