by David Chapman
Staff Writer
In the two years since Circuit Judge Virginia Norton was sworn in, she’s learned a few lessons on the bench.
Her top lesson is the importance of education.
Norton shared a progress report from the bench Friday with The Civic Round Table of Jacksonville during its monthly meeting, giving an insider’s perspective on the importance of education.
Norton spent her first year on the bench in the Family Division, an area in which she had no experience before Florida Bar seminars and her first days.
But when she began, she saw just how important education, or a lack of it, helped or hindered families facing issues such as foreclosure.
“It was striking how education affected families in those situations,” said Norton. “Every day I saw it, even when it came to being aware of the different services available.”
Now in the Felony Division, Norton said lack of education is not uncommon among some of the most serious offenders who appear before her.
“Most of the individuals who come in don’t have a high school diploma,” she said, recalling a recent case. “It’s not an excuse, but it is a reminder of the importance of education.”
Norton said she’s realized a parallel between the family and felony divisions. Children and families hindered by a lack of education could end up in felony court later.
During her time in the Felony Division, Norton told the group of civic organization leaders she also has come to admire the sight of young attorneys preparing themselves in the courtroom each morning.
“You get an adrenaline rush seeing them,” she said. “They have so much energy.”
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