December 2024 Half Court Press
Judge Ari Porth Receives the 2024 Chief Justice Judicial Excellence Award
Judge Ari Abraham Porth
Circuit Judge Ari Abraham Porth is the 2024 recipient of the Chief Justice Judicial Excellence Award, which recognized Judge Porth’s exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and his outstanding contributions to the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County.
Judge Porth has served on the 17th Circuit Court since his appointment in 2013, where he presides over the circuit’s felony mental health court.
Judge Porth’s dedication to improving the court system is evident through his leadership as chair of the 17th Circuit’s Mental Health Task Force and his role as an executive board member of the Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges. Judge Porth is also a member of the Florida Judicial Wellness Program Committee and the Justice Unit.
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz commended Judge Porth for his unwavering dedication to the judicial system and his innovative efforts to enhance the mental health court.
“Judge Porth exemplifies the qualities of integrity, fairness, and compassion that this award seeks to honor,” Muñiz said.
Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Porth served as an assistant state attorney in Broward County from 1995 to 2012. He was also elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving from 2004 to 2012. During his time in the legislature, he sponsored landmark legislation mandating insurance coverage for autism therapies.
Judge Porth earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1995 after receiving his bachelor's degree in political science from Northeastern University. He began his career as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Bob Graham in Washington, D.C.
“Judge Porth is our go-to person for crafting innovative solutions to help those struggling with mental health issues,” said a colleague on the 17th Circuit bench in the nomination. “His deep understanding of the challenges faced by the people who come before him, combined with his legal acumen, make him an invaluable asset to our court and our community.”
The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence, embodying qualities such as strength of character, integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, and sound judgment. Judge Porth received the circuit judge award in September, and Palm Beach County Court Judge Sherri L. Collins was honored with this year's county court judge award in July.
Leon County Courthouse Renamed in Honor of Judge Aikens
Photo and plaque of Judge Aikens.
On November 22, 2024, community leaders, colleagues, family, and friends gathered in the Leon County Courthouse to celebrate the retirement of Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr., followed by a dedication of the courthouse in his honor. After a judicial career of 27 years, Judge Aikens was Leon County’s longest-serving county court judge.
As an attorney, Augustus “Gus” Aikens had his own law practice in Leon County and a 20-year career serving the State of Florida. He also served in legal and other capacities in the U.S. Army and Florida National Guard and retired as a full colonel after 30 years. His lifetime of service impacted not only Leon County but the state and the nation as well.
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz appeared via video and thanked Judge Aikens for his dedication to the judiciary and the citizens of Florida. He said, “Judge Aikens, your career of service is a model for the rest of us to admire and follow. You have set a remarkable standard of excellence and personal integrity.”
A host of speakers recounted personal and professional stories about Judge Aikens and the influence he had on their lives and the lives of so many others. Their stories illustrated a career that was dedicated to justice, service, and integrity.
Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Frank Allman acknowledged Judge Aikens’ remarkable career and thanked the Leon County Commission for supporting the renaming of the courthouse in recognition of his contributions to the county.
Former Chief Judge Jonathan Sjostrom said that he presented the idea of renaming the courthouse in Aikens’ honor because he thoroughly embodies the best judicial qualities of diligence, competence, humility, and integrity.
Colonel Timothy D. Kerns spoke of Aikens’ military career and said he was “one of the most capable, reliable, and trustworthy officers I’ve ever served with.” He noted that Aikens earned the Bronze Star for his service during Operation Desert Storm and the Legion of Merit Medal for a career of exceptionally meritorious service.
In his own remarks, Judge Aikens reflected on a career he described as "a labor of love." He expressed his sincere thanks to all of the colleagues, friends, and family who enriched his life and helped him become the man he is. He also thanked the Veterans Treatment Court team and noted that it was fitting that his last official duty as judge was to oversee graduations from the program that he worked to establish in 2015.
Following the retirement ceremony, participants moved to the lawn at the front of the Leon County Courthouse for the dedication ceremony. Mayor John Dailey, Commissioner Carolyn D. Cummings, several judges, and other dignitaries reflected on the impact Judge Aikens has had on Leon County, which made the courthouse dedication such a fitting tribute. At the conclusion of the dedication ceremony, the new signage marking the Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse was unveiled to the cheers and applause of those in attendance. Inside the renamed courthouse, a photo and plaque are also on display to commemorate Judge Aikens’ dedication and service to Leon County.
In retirement, Aikens said he looks forward to spending time with his wife La Grande and their five children and 17 grandchildren. He also said he suspects his wife has been keeping a list for many years of things for him to do.
The newly dedicated Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse.
Florida Supreme Court Appoints New Marshal
Marshal Woodrow Kerce
On October 29, 2024, Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz announced the appointment of Woodrow Kerce II as the ninth Marshal of the Florida Supreme Court. Marshal Kerce has served as Interim Marshal since the retirement of Silvester Dawson in September 2023.
Kerce has 36 years’ experience as a sworn law-enforcement officer, including 26 years with the Tallahassee Police Department.
“The Court is confident that Woody will lead his team in a manner that preserves and builds upon the culture of service and excellence that we associate with the marshal’s office,” Muñiz said.
The Office of the Marshal is an accredited law-enforcement agency. Its primary responsibility is to provide security to the Supreme Court and protect its justices. There have been eight previous marshals, beginning with Lawrence Perkins, appointed to the post in 1927.
Marshal Kerce will supervise 20 deputy marshals and eight administrative and facility staff. The Marshal’s most visible duty is to open oral argument and other public sessions in the courtroom of the Supreme Court.
“All rise. Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!” The Marshal intones. “The Supreme Court of Florida is now in session. All who have cause to plea, draw near, give attention, and ye shall be heard. God save these United States, this great State of Florida, and this honorable Court.”
Prior to joining the Florida Supreme Court, Marshal Kerce was lead court security officer at the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. Before his service as Interim Marshal, he was a lieutenant (deputy marshal supervisor) for the Supreme Court.
Florida Oral Arguments Now Available by Podcast
The Sixth District Court of Appeal has launched a new podcast called Florida Oral Arguments. The podcast provides oral arguments of the Florida Supreme Court and all of Florida’s district courts of appeal. The new podcast provides an additional option for people interested in oral arguments before Florida's appellate courts. Florida Oral Arguments is available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The Florida Supreme Court also offers several options to access live and archived oral arguments and ceremonial sessions. A list of those broadcasts is available on the Florida Supreme Court website.
Problem-Solving Court Conference Kicks Off December 11
The Office of the State Courts Administrator and the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals have developed an exciting agenda for the 2024 Problem-Solving Court Conference. The conference will take place December 11-13, 2024, in Orlando.
The conference has been designed to provide invaluable training and education for everyone who supports drug courts, mental health courts, and veteran courts. Attending the conference is a great way for all multi-disciplinary team members to learn about best practices and the latest trends and information from the field. Participation in the annual conference helps problem-solving courts respond most effectively to the needs of those they serve.
Complete details about the event, including the lineup of dynamic speakers, are available on the conference website.
