Judge Who Oversaw Parkland School Shooting Trial Criticizes Shooter’s Attorneys

Former Broward County Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who presided over the high-profile Parkland school shooter trial, is speaking publicly for the first time since stepping down from the bench. Scherer, now working in civil law at her family’s firm, discusses the emotional toll of the case and the challenges she faced during the historic trial. Scherer gained national attention while overseeing the trial of Nikolas Cruz, the shooter responsible for the tragic Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, which claimed 17 lives and injured 17 others. The case, one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, was assigned to Scherer just a day after the tragedy.

Controversial Moments in the Trial

Throughout the five-year trial, the courtroom was often the scene of emotional and contentious exchanges, many of which were captured by news cameras. The trial, which garnered widespread media attention, was not without controversy, particularly regarding Scherer’s handling of heated moments between the prosecution and the defense.

Scherer admits to some missteps during the trial. She acknowledges that her conduct was at times “not patient, dignified, or courteous,” as noted by the Florida Supreme Court’s public reprimand. However, she maintains that her goal was always to ensure fairness and maintain decorum. She reflects on the difficulties she faced, including exchanges with public defender Melissa McNeil, where she felt her own family was dragged into the fray.

Scherer also describes a particularly tense moment during the trial when she excused an attorney over what she perceived as a threat to her children. She admits to potentially overreacting in that instance but remains firm in her belief that the attorney’s remarks were inappropriate.

Moving Forward: A New Career and Personal Reflections

After the trial, Scherer decided to leave the Broward bench, citing the desire to avoid putting victims’ families through another trial had she contested the reprimand. She now practices civil law at her father’s Fort Lauderdale firm, a significant shift from her previous work in criminal law. Her father, William Scherer, is a prominent attorney who gained national recognition during the 2000 election recount in Broward County. Though the shift to civil law feels like starting over, Scherer embraces the change and is adjusting to a new professional landscape. She is considering writing a book and has received offers to provide legal commentary, though she humorously adds that Judge Judy has nothing to worry about.

Personal Resilience and Reflection

Throughout the Parkland trial, Scherer found solace in her love for horses. She frequently traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, to ride, which provided a much-needed escape from the emotional weight of the case. In South Florida, she trains in competitive jumping and finds joy in the adrenaline of the sport. As for the families of the Parkland victims, Scherer says many have stayed in touch with her since the trial, and she feels a deep bond with them. She affectionately refers to them as her “guardian angels” and continues to hold them close as she moves forward in her life and career.

While her time on the bench may be over, Scherer’s journey is far from complete, and she remains committed to pursuing new challenges both in and out of the courtroom.