The first session of the year for the community outreach event, Your Courts Up Close, was successfully held on February 18, 2020. Your Courts Up Close is a free event hosted by Judge Daryl Isenhower of St. Lucie County. The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit has hosted this program annually for the past four years.
During the first presentation of the evening, Circuit Judge Michael Linn provided an engaging presentation on Risk Protection Orders. In 2018, The Florida Legislature passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act in response to a tragic school shooting. The law is designed to enhance public safety by restricting firearm and ammunition possession by a person who poses a danger to himself or herself or others. Judge Linn’s full presentation is available here.
During the second half of the evening, the attendees were able to learn about the State Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office. Chief Assistant State Attorney, Tom Bakkedahl, and Assistant Public Defender, John Hetherington, provided the attendees with information about criminal cases in both county and circuit court. Mr. Bakkedahl engaged the crowd with discussion and specific examples of cases he has encountered during his career. Mr. Hetherington enlightened the crowd on the role of the public defender and the Constitutional rights that each citizen holds.
“Your Courts Up Close” is held in the jury assembly room at the Ft. Pierce courthouse located at 218 South 2nd St., Ft. Pierce, FL.
Anyone who is interested in attending “Your Courts Up Close” can still register for an upcoming session which are running each Tuesday evening through March 10, 2020. It is not too late to be included. Please register online by clicking here: http://www.circuit19.org/form/ycuc-registration