Jamaican attorney, Tamar N Hamilton, has announced her candidacy for Broward County Circuit Court Judge for Group 52. She is one of three candidates to replace Michael G Kaplan who retired recently after 24 years in the post.

The election takes place on August 18 when 20 Circuit Court judges will be elected in Florida. Hamilton, who is from Kingston, has lived in that state for over 25 years.

A special magistrate, she has offices in Cutler Ridge and Lauderhill, South Florida. A former president of the Jamaican American Bar Association, she mulled a run against Kaplan six years ago.

“I first considered running for Circuit Court judge in 2020, when I recognised a growing need for greater community engagement and public understanding of the legal system,” Hamilton told Observer Online. “Through my work educating and supporting residents across Broward County, I developed a deep passion for serving from the bench, where I can ensure that every person who enters the courtroom is heard, respected and treated fairly. My experience as a special magistrate, law professor, attorney, and community advocate has prepared me for this role.”

A past student of St Andrew Technical High School, Hamilton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies, arts and humanities from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Her Juris Doctorate degree with honours is from St Thomas University School of Law in Miami Gardens, where she is an adjunct law professor.

Florida Circuit judges are elected to six-year terms, with no term limits for the non-partisan office. They preside over diverse legal issues, including criminal, civil and family cases.

Hamilton stated that her experience covers those areas.

“An effective Circuit Court judge is experienced, fair and committed to listening. It requires a strong understanding of the law, sound judgment, patience, and the ability to remain impartial in every case. Equally important is the ability to ensure that all parties feel heard and that decisions are made thoughtfully and respectfully, in accordance with the law,” she said.