News & Information

Juneteenth: A day of recognition, restoration and celebration

The next court holiday is Juneteenth, a curious sounding day and one that holds great importance in our nation’s history.

Magistrates needed in Sarasota

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is seeking licensed attorneys to fill two magistrate positions in Sarasota County: a family magistrate in Venice and a civil magistrate in Sarasota. These quasi-judicial officers are responsible for conducting hearings, entering recommended orders to the family or civil judge and presiding over Baker Act and Marchman Act hearings.

Retired Judge James S. Parker passes away at age 81

It is with deep sorrow that the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court announces that retired Judge James Smiley Parker, Jr. has passed away. He was 81 years old.

When one rises, we all rise

Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many people cycle in and out of the justice system. Problem-solving courts aim to break the cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and judicial supervision.

Law Day celebrates promise of Constitution: Out of many, one

May 1st is the day we celebrate the rule of law. This year's theme, "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One," reminds us that "We, the people" must work together every day to fulfill that promise. To mark the day, we asked legal professionals what the rule of law means to them, how lawyers protect individual rights in our community, and what citizens can do to fulfill the promise of “E pluribus unum,” out of many, one.

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.

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?

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.

The first 1,000 days

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.