Biography
I am an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County where I represent individuals who are accused of crimes, yet cannot afford an attorney. While this role accounts for the majority of my legal experience, I have previously worked for a civil law firm, and began my career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orlando. Prior to attending law school, I was a Social Studies Teacher at Belen Jesuit Preparator School in Miami. Overall, I have tried over 70 cases to verdict.
Education
Juris Doctor, Nova Southeastern University (2014); Master of Education, Florida Atlantic University (2010); Bachelor of Arts, Florida International University (2006)
Occupation
Assistant Public Defender
Civic Experience
I volunteer my time with Laundry Love, a charity operated through St. Marks Epispocal Church in Oakland Park that provides laundry services to needy individuals and families. I have also served as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, as well as volunteered as a mock trial coach with Saint Thomas Aquinas’ High School’s legal studies program.
Endorsements
Senator Nan Rich, Representative Michael Gottlieb, Mayor Angelo Castillo of Pembroke Pines, Vice Mayor of Coconut Creek John Brodie, Vice Mayor of Pembroke Pines Michael Hernandez, Commissioner of Coconut Creek Joshua Rydell
Campaign Phone
7544227274
The Judicial role is to oversee, ensure, and remain accountable for the efficient administration of due process for the parties appearing before the Court. The judicial role is solemn; the full force of the government flows through a judge. Yet this role comes with an understanding that a party to a suit appears before the Court for the purpose of seeking legal relief to a conflict. Often times, individuals appear before the Court without an understanding of the process; many appear before the Court because they are compelled, are accused of a crime, or are the victim of a crime. Accordingly, the Judicial role is firm, applying sound reasoning with dignity and compassion.
Judicial workload is directly related to the efficient and fair administration of justice in a criminal division. The Judge is operating in a volume practice whereby cases are often managed in bulk with set dates at regular intervals for large groups of cases. Accordingly, like with all volume practices, the tendency is to resolve matters quickly in order to manage workload. To this, speed does not equate to efficiency for the purposes of administration of Justice. Public Defenders, likewise with substantial caseloads, should be listened to in terms of timing for trial and hearing dates to ensure effective and prepared representation.
I believe that a high case count is the greatest obstacle to justice. Due process, loosely defined as "notice and the opportunity to be heard," depends on the ability of a judge to evaluate the pleadings and oversee the entry of testimony and evidence into the record. Due process has a tendency to break down when a party, or other individual coming before the Court, does not believe that they are heard or otherwise able to advocate for their position if proceedings are rushed or if proper time is not taken to ensure the creation of a record that contains sufficient information for a Judge to render a legal decision.
Over the course of my career I have tried over 70 jury trials. Over the past 5 years I have tried 13 jury trials up to first degree murder, and one matter in which I was able to receive an uncontested Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. Of my prior trial experience, 45 of these were misdemeanor offenses that were tried as either an Assistant State Attorney or Assistant Public Defender. In addition to criminal trial experience, I have handled many Violations of Probation hearings, which are too numerous to count. I have served of counsel of record on two civil matters that have been tried to verdict as well as a civil Motion for Summary Judgement.
Marbury v. Madison was decided in an era of intense partisanship following the first election of a President from different political party than his predecessor. John Adams appointed many judges on the eve of his exit, yet incoming Secretary of State James Madison failed to deliver the appointment of William Marbury. Marbury asked the Supreme Court to issue a mandate to Madison for this delivery. The Supreme Court decided that even though the legislature passed a law allowing it to issue such mandates, that power isn't in the Constitution. This holding saw the beginning of the doctrine of judicial review, meaning the Court can invalidate an enacted law that violates the Constitution.
Biography
Attorney Tamar N. Hamilton is the founder of the Law Office of Tamar N. Hamilton, P.A., where she focuses on real estate, estate planning, probate, and business law. She earned her Juris Doctor with Honors from St. Thomas University School of Law and is licensed to practice in Florida and Jamaica. Attorney Hamilton also serves as an Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas University School of Law. A Broward County resident for more than 25 years, she is dedicated to legal education and community service
Education
Tamar N. Hamilton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Arts and Humanities, with a concentration in Communication from Florida Atlantic University. She later earned her Juris Doctor, with Honors, from St. Thomas University School of Law. She is admitted to The Florida Bar and is also licensed to practice before the General Legal Council of Jamaica.
Occupation
Tamar N. Hamilton is an attorney, Special Magistrate, Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas University School of Law, and founder of the Law Office of Tamar N. Hamilton, P.A. Her practice focuses on real estate, estate planning, probate, and business law.
Civic Experience
Tamar N. Hamilton is actively involved in civic and community service throughout Broward County. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas University School of Law and is the Immediate Past President of the Jamaican American Bar Association. Through community workshops, public speaking engagements, and educational programs, she provides legal education on estate planning, probate, real estate, and financial literacy. She also mentors law students and and supports community initiatives.
Endorsements
Blessed Broward; County Commissioner Hazel Rogers; New Generation VII; Broward League of The Evangelical Pastors, Inc; Commissioner Maxwell Chambers
Campaign Phone
9548036901
I believe the role of a judge is to serve as a fair, impartial, and independent guardian of the rule of law. Every person who enters the courtroom deserves to be heard, treated with dignity, and have their case decided based solely on the facts and the law. The qualities most important for a judge are integrity, sound judgment, patience, humility, and impartiality. One of the greatest challenges facing the judiciary is maintaining public confidence while ensuring timely and equal access to justice. A judge must remain committed to fairness, professionalism, and the faithful application of the law in every case.
Every person charged with a crime is entitled to effective representation, regardless of their financial circumstances. While judges do not control the caseloads assigned to public defenders, they play an important role in ensuring that constitutional rights are protected and that cases are handled fairly.
A judge can remain attentive to indications that excessive caseloads may be affecting an attorney's ability to adequately prepare and represent a client. When appropriate, a judge should provide sufficient time for preparation, carefully consider requests that impact a defendant's right to effective assistance of counsel.
One of the greatest obstacles to justice is the inability of some individuals to effectively access and navigate the legal system. Many litigants face challenges related to financial resources, legal representation, language barriers, or a lack of understanding of court procedures. Delays caused by crowded dockets and increasingly complex legal matters can also affect public confidence in the judicial process.
While courts cannot solve every societal challenge, judges can help promote access to justice by ensuring that proceedings are conducted fairly, efficiently, and with respect for all participants. A courtroom should be a place where every person feels heard & where decisions are made.
My practice has primarily focused on civil litigation and transactional matters, including real estate, foreclosure, probate, and contract-related disputes. While I have not participated in a jury trial, I have participated in at least eleven bench trials in which the judge served as the finder of fact and law. These matters involved the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, legal argument, and the application of procedural and evidentiary rules.
In addition to bench trials, I have regularly appeared before courts in contested hearings and other adversarial proceedings requiring preparation, advocacy, and the presentation of evidence.
In my view, Marbury v. Madison is one of the most important decisions of the United States Supreme Court because it established the principle of judicial review. The decision affirmed the judiciary's role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that governmental actions comply with constitutional principles. By reinforcing the independence of the judicial branch and the rule of law, Marbury helped establish the balance of powers that remains fundamental to our constitutional system and to public confidence in the courts.
Biography
Katie began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County. That role gave her direct courtroom experience and reinforced the importance of preparation, professionalism, and treating every person in the courtroom with dignity. She later moved into civil litigation, where she represented both sides of civil cases - people bringing claims and people defending them. That balanced experience gives her a practical understanding of how litigation affects real people and businesses.
Education
Nova Southeastern University, J.D., 2011; University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts in English, 2008
Occupation
Attorney, Mediator, Arbitrator
Civic Experience
2026-2027 Board Member of the Broward County Women Lawyers, Florida Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Executive Council member, Florida Bar Grievance Mediation Committee member, Volunteer Mediator for Broward County Small Claims
Endorsements
Broward County Fraternal Order of Police, IAFF Local 4311 - Broward County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics
A judge's role is to interpret and apply the Constitution, statutes, and binding precedent to the facts of each case in a fair, impartial, and consistent manner. Judges are entrusted with significant public responsibility and must uphold the integrity of the judicial system through professionalism, impartiality, and sound judgment.
A judge must realize that the most important case of their judicial career is the one that is before the court at the moment. Not the previous case, and not the next case. Every person who enters the courtroom is entitled to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their background, status, or the nature of the case. A criminal defendant is entitled to the same due process whether they are represented by a public defender or private counsel. While Florida's courts continue to manage significant case loads, a judge sets the standard for the courtroom by being prepared, managing the docket efficiently, and ensuring each party has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
The greatest obstacle to justice is access to the court system. Many individuals are faced with financial or language barriers that make it difficult to navigate the system, and they may not be able to afford an attorney. A Judge needs to be aware of these procedural barriers, and have the ability to protect the system by ensuring that everyone who walks into a courtroom has the ability to be heard and is treated with respect, regardless of whether or not they have an attorney representing them.
I have substantial trial experience in both criminal and civil courtrooms before judges and juries. As a Broward County prosecutor, I tried 28 jury trials to verdict ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies. In addition, when assigned to county court, I conducted numerous bench trials on a weekly basis.
Over the past ten years I have been litigating in Circuit Civil Court, where jury trials are demanded in most cases. I have tried two Circuit Civil jury trials to verdict and have litigated complex civil matters through each stage of the litigation process. I have also litigated evidentiary hearings, such as Motions for Summary Judgement, representing the Plaintiff and Defense.
Brown v. Board of Education - Brown unanimously rejected racial segregation in public schools, holding that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal."
