Two candidates are running for the Broward County Court Group 32 seat: Lauren Peffer, an animal rights attorney, and Emilio “Emi” Benitez, a criminal defense lawyer and child advocate. Here’s why the two candidates say they deserve a six-year term on the county court bench. Responses have been edited for length and news style.

Lauren Peffer

Peffer is a civil litigator who specializes in animal law and has founded a non-profit that has become one of Broward County’s largest rescue partners.