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Hammond Sworn In as St. Lucie County Judge

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/02/hammond-sworn-in-as-st-lucie-county-judge.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 16:37 GMT by Treasure Coast Newspapers
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - February 2nd, 2026 - The St. Lucie County Courthouse witnessed a heartwarming and inspiring investiture ceremony this past Saturday as Kimberly Hammond officially began her tenure as a county judge. The event, rich with personal anecdotes and expressions of community support, highlighted not just Hammond's professional qualifications but also the core values that will likely define her approach to justice: unwavering fairness, compassionate understanding, and a deep commitment to public service.

The ceremony transcended the typical formality associated with such occasions, becoming a celebration of character and dedication. Recurring themes of family, humor, and genuine appreciation painted a portrait of a woman deeply rooted in her community and driven by a sincere desire to serve. These weren't simply platitudes; they were consistently reinforced through personal stories shared by those who know Hammond best.

Jason Hammond, the judge's husband, kicked off the testimonials with a charming account of their early courtship. His story wasn't a grand romance, but rather a series of everyday moments that revealed Hammond's innate sense of justice. He described how, even during casual outings, she consistently demonstrated a commitment to fairness and equity - a trait he confidently predicts will be central to her judicial philosophy. This focus on everyday integrity, as opposed to lofty ideals, suggests a pragmatic and relatable approach to the bench.

Robert Hammond, the judge's father, further elaborated on her lifelong dedication to service. He emphasized that her ambition wasn't rooted in personal gain, but in a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This sentiment speaks to a potential for empathetic rulings, considering the human element alongside legal precedent. Judge Hammond's dedication to public service has clearly been a consistent theme throughout her life.

The formal welcoming remarks from Judge Ray Gross, presiding judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit, and State Attorney Erin West, underscored the professional respect Hammond has earned within the legal community. West specifically highlighted Hammond's decade-plus experience as an assistant state attorney within the same circuit as an invaluable asset to the court. This experience is crucial; she's not entering the role as an outsider but as someone intimately familiar with the local legal landscape, its challenges, and its nuances. Her background as a prosecutor will undoubtedly inform her understanding of criminal justice issues and could lead to informed sentencing decisions.

But it wasn't just the professional accolades that resonated. The consistent emphasis on Hammond's character suggests a potential shift in judicial approach. Increasingly, there's a movement towards "restorative justice" models, which prioritize rehabilitation and community healing over purely punitive measures. While not explicitly stated, the repeated references to compassion and fairness hint at a possible inclination towards such an approach. This is particularly relevant in an era where mass incarceration and recidivism are major concerns.

Judge Hammond, in her own remarks, echoed these sentiments, expressing humility and gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Her commitment to fairness, integrity, and compassion wasn't simply a rhetorical flourish, but a promise to the people of St. Lucie County. She understands the weight of the responsibility she now carries and appears determined to uphold the principles of justice with both diligence and empathy.

The investiture ceremony served as a poignant reminder that judges are not merely legal technicians, but individuals who wield significant power over people's lives. The emphasis on Hammond's character and values suggests that she intends to wield that power responsibly and with a genuine concern for the well-being of the community. The themes of family and support further underscore her commitment, implying a robust network that will likely provide guidance and perspective throughout her judicial career. It's a refreshing departure from the often-sterile image of the courtroom, offering a glimpse of a judge who sees herself as a servant of the people, not just an enforcer of the law.