Broward Circuit Judge Ari Abraham Porth, a former Democratic state lawmaker known for championing mental health reform on and off the bench, has been honored for his commitment to justice and compassion in Florida courts.
He was recently given the annual Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy Award for his service in the legal community.
The honor, presented by the St. Thomas More Society of South Florida, recognizes legal professionals who embody the moral ideals of Thomas More, a Judge, statesman and humanitarian canonized in 1935.
Porth, who presides over Felony Mental Health Court in Broward County, has served on the bench since his appointment in 2013 by then-Gov. Rick Scott. Before becoming a Judge, he worked as an Assistant State Attorney from 1995 to 2012 and served in the House from 2004 to 2012.
Porth’s work in mental-health court, efforts to reform treatment practices for the mentally ill and intellectually disabled, and leadership on the Broward County Mental Health Task Force have been widely praised. Last year, he received the Chief Justice Judicial Excellence Award.
In a Tuesday press note from the 17th Judicial Circuit, Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips lauded Porth as “a shining star” whose hard work and dedication make him “so very deserving of the award.”
Porth said in a statement that he is “honored beyond measure” by the recognition.
“In Courtroom 7810, we are pursuing justice every day, and persistently running after it as we engage with some of society’s most vulnerable, the mentally ill and intellectually disabled,” he said.
The Archbishop McCarthy Award dates to 2000 and has recognized past Judges for upholding justice, integrity and service in Broward’s legal community. Past recipients from Broward include Judges Elijah H. Williams, Edward H. Merrigan, Martin Bidwell, Arthur M. Birken and Susan J. Aramony, who received the award posthumously.
The award was presented to Porth on Oct. 15 at the annual Red Mass and dinner at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale.