Broward College Hosts Second Dinner at the Square on Over-Crimminalization of Juveniles

Part of the Broward College Village Square series of non-partisan civil discussions, guest panelists shared viewpoints on current State judiciary categorizations of juvenile behavior

On Wednesday, February 15th, Broward College hosted its second Dinner at the Square debate at Hugh’s Catering in Oakland Park, titled “No Second Chance: Does Florida Over-Criminalize Juvenile Offenders?” The event hosted over 100 local notables, students and city officials for a widely debated, civil conversation. Dinner at the Square is part of the Broward College Village Square series of discussions on current topics affecting South Florida.

Moderated by Judge Elijah Williams, panelists included Major David Holmes of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Assistant State General Maria Schneider and Chief Assistant Public Defender Gordon Weekes. Each presented their perspectives on juvenile behavior, its current categorization as criminal or adult behavior, and problematic issues which arise for both the juvenile and the system. 

The goal of Village Square Dinner at the Square events is to hold public forums to better educate the public on important, and sometimes controversial, issues. Official partners of the Village Square include the Broward League of Cities and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. The next Broward College Village Square event will be Take Out Tuesday on March 21st at the Broward College downtown center in building 33 on the 11th floor.  The Broward College downtown center is located at 111 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. The event will focus on the topic, “Does Florida Need Public Hospitals?”

Photos are available at:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/browardcollege/albums/72157678587008741 .

For more information on Village Square, please visit  http://www.broward.edu/community/village-square .