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

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