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MASSACHUSETTS

As Barbara Dortch-Okara, Chief Justice for Administration and Management of the Trial Court, reported at the 2000 ABA Forum on Justice Improvement, the leadership team put together in 1998 for the national Public Trust and Confidence Conference is intact, led by Chief Justice Margaret Marshall. A project is underway to develop a three year strategy for implementing public trust and confidence initiatives which respond to the findings of the national and the Massachusetts surveys done during 1998.  Through interviews and juror surveys, information will be gathered to determine those additional activities the court can undertake immediately, and within a three year time frame, to enhance public trust and confidence. Included will be a speaker’s bureau and development of a public school curriculum. The Reinventing Justice projects continue operating within the Massachusetts Trial Court. These grass roots court-community collaborations began in Franklin County and have spread to Essex and Hampshire Counties and the West Roxbury section of Boston. They include court/community councils or collaboration boards, open houses, education programs, development of court specific brochures which have been translated into the languages of the community the courts serve, information booths at courthouses staffed by volunteers, restorative justice panels, and town meetings.

• Massachusetts Court System

MICHIGAN

The State Bar of Michigan’s Open Justice Commission is actively involved in 35 programs and projects related to the elimination of bias and discrimination based on gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, and disability within the judicial system and the legal profession. In its mission statement, the Commission is specifically charged with responsibility to “increase public confidence in the fairness of the legal profession and the equal application of law for all citizens.”

The goals of the Commission are reflective of the nationwide agenda only recently adopted by five leading judicial and legal organizations that came together to design and endorse a National Plan for Action on Public Trust and Confidence in the Courts.  Those organizations are the Conference of Chief Justices, National Conference of Judges, National Association of Women Judges, the National Center for State Courts, and the American Bar Association.

It is important to note that the national findings are consistent with conclusions reached by gender, race, and other open justice initiatives at the state level.  Michigan is no exception.  In 1989, the Michigan Supreme Court Task Forces on Racial/Ethnic Issues in the Courts and Gender Issues in the Courts completed their studies.  They included two years of extensive citizen, judicial, and lawyer surveys, data collection and research, and 17 statewide public hearings.

The Task Forces concluded that the perception of bias adversely affects justice and that the perception often is based in reality.  Race, ethnicity, gender, and other special populations were key factors determining the degree of public trust and confidence.  Ten years later, the same issues are prominent on our profession’s public agenda, and the same disturbing findings remain valid.

A principal objective of the Commission is to implement the recommendations of the 1989 reports.  The conclusions of the national conference emphasize the importance of that mission.  They have the potential, on behalf of under-represented groups, of expanding its reach to the larger issue of lack of public confidence in the courts.

The Commission is in the process of implementing educational programs related to cultural awareness, juvenile justice, and sexual orientation for judges and lawyers. To the extent that it succeeds, it will expand the knowledge and awareness of both lawyers and judges, encouraging an environment of inclusion and fairness.  The Commission's jury representation project recognizes the importance of and urges broad citizen participation in the legal system.  Additionally, the Commission will produce best practices manuals on juvenile justice, court administration and jury initiatives for Michigan courts and bar associations considering undertaking their own public trust projects.  Initiatives such as the Domestic Violence Pro bono Project unite a large and diverse group of stakeholders into a working coalition with a common purpose: to identify and train attorneys to represent low-income domestic violence victims in civil proceedings.  

The Michigan Supreme Court has also developed a Learning Center. The Center is a 3,800 sq. ft. interpretative gallery space to teach school children and other visitors about the judicial branch of government. We are located in the new Hall of Justice across from the Michigan Historical Center in Lansing and will open to the public on November 1, 2002.

We expect our primary audience to be fourth to eighth grade school children but welcome people of all ages. For groups of eight or larger we request you contact us for reservations to ensure we have a trained docent available to assist the group with their tour. Guided tours are approximately one hour long.  Walk-in visitors are welcome any time during our open hours but please be aware that unless your schedule  a tour, a docent may not be available to answer your questions.

The gallery is designed on a multi-educational level and offers information via an original video, computer programs, hands-on activities and text panels. The information supports the Michigan Education Assessment Program Standards and Strands for the elementary social studies level.

We are open Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm, closed on state holidays. There is no admission fee to the Learning Center.

Contact: Lorraine H. Weber, Consultant on Open Justice, State Bar of Michigan Open Justice Commission, State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend Street, Lansing, MI 48933-2083, 800/968-1442, ext. 6335, Fax: 517/482-6248, jhershkowitz@mail.michbar.org.

Contact: The Honorable Brian MacKenzie, Judge, 52-1 District Court, 48150 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374-1222, mackenzieb@co.oakland.mi.us.

• State Bar of Michigan

• Michigan Supreme Court

• 52nd District Court - 1st Division

MINNESOTA

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Minnesota has made PT&C one of the Minnesota Judicial Branch's four strategic priorities.  Their judges continue to do hours and hours of outreach activities on their own, visiting schools, local social organizations and the State Legislature. 

They also tour hundreds of students and other groups annually through the Minnesota Judicial Center, home of the State Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Court Administration.  In addition to a building tour, the groups often speak with an appellate court judge and/or attend oral arguments.

Some other program highlights include:

Dialogue on Freedom: Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz and Bob Stein of the American Bar Association participated in a discussion with American and refugee students at a high school in Minneapolis as part of the ABA Dialogue on Freedom program.  The fascinating discussion, held on May 2 in observance of Law Day, was a great success.  Follow the link below (click on title) to view a column by Bob Stein, which ran in a local legal newspaper

• ABA sponsors an important dialogue on freedom

Traveling Oral Arguments: The Minnesota Supreme Court continued its biannual traveling oral arguments program this spring with a visit to Hastings High School in Hastings, MN.  More than 2,000 students watched oral arguments and had several opportunities to ask questions of the Justices.  This program began in 1995.  It will continue with a visit in October to the Bloomington, MN public schools.  Follow the link below (click on title) to view the press release dated April 8, 2002.

• MN Supreme Court Convenes at Hastings High School

Law Day: The Minnesota Judicial Center hosted its first public open house on May 15 in celebration of Law Day.  The Judicial Center, home of the state Judicial Branch, hosted more than 1,500 students, adults, legislators, teachers and others.  Tours, hands-on activities, a legal information fair, opportunities to meet judges and other activities designed to teach the public about the court system were available.  Follow the link below (click on title) to view the press release dated May 1, 2002.

• Chief Justice Invites Public to Open House

Criminal Justice Forum: In June, the State Court System and the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans held a criminal justice forum.  Judges, police, prosecutors, public defenders and other participants in the criminal justice system talked about their roles in the system, listened to public input and answered questions.  Follow the link below (click on title) to view the press release dated June 10, 2002.

• Court System, Asian-Pacific Council Invite Public to Criminal Justice Forum

Court Innovations Tour: In 1999, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz initiated "Court Innovations Tours," which take place in different judicial districts every year.  The tours give the Chief Justice an opportunity to learn from the experiences of jurors, litigants, and concerned citizens throughout the state.  They also allow the Chief Justice to meet with trial court judges, increase public awareness of the challenges the courts face, and highlight local innovative programs judges have created.  The Chief continued her tours in February with a two-day visit in Hennepin County (Minneapolis).  She met with county attorneys and public defenders, observed the county's unique Community Court and Domestic Abuse Court, and visited the county's self-help center.

On-line resources:  In July, 2002,  Minnesota's courts announced new information on its Web site, including on-line copies of various court forms, a searchable database of attorney registration information and copies of court rules.  Follow the link below (click on title) to view the press release dated June 9, 2002.

• State Court System Unveils New Online Resources to Ease Public Access to Forms, Rules, Attorney Information

Teacher's summit:  The Minnesota Supreme Court once again partnered with the Minnesota Center for Community Legal Education at the University of Minnesota to hold a weeklong institute for teachers in June.  About 50 Minnesota high school teachers of civics, law, and government attended.  The conference focused on the Constitution and incorporated the role the court system plays in protecting citizens' rights.  Judges and court staff assisted in instructing participating teachers.

Open CHIPS/CJI:  Minnesota's court system has taken several steps to reform its child protection system, and inform the public about how the system works and how we can improve it.  Click on link below for additional information explaining these efforts, as well as a press release dated April 24, 2002:

• MN Supreme Court Order Mandating Public Access to Hearings and Records in Juvenile Protection Matters

• "Children's Justice Initiative" is Helping Minnesota's Abused and Neglected Children

National Mock Trial Competition:  Nearly two dozen judges participated in the National Mock Trial Competition, held in St. Paul.  Follow the link below (click on title) to view the press release dated May 6, 2002.

• MN Judges Preside at National Mock Trials

Contact: Chuck Tombarge, Communications Specialist, Court Information Office, 25 Constitution Ave., St Paul, MN 55155, 651/297-4029, Fax: 651/297-5636, Chuck.Tombarge@courts.state.mn.us.

• Minnesota State Court System

• Public Opinion of the Courts Study, 1999-2000

• Public Trust and Confidence Strategies

• Focus on the Future - 2001

MISSISSIPPI

• The Mississippi Supreme Court is moving forward in making live video of its oral arguments available for viewing on the Internet in 2001. 

• The Court has established a Task Force on Gender Fairness to study the issue in the court system and issue a report and recommendations. 

• The Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee continues its work on gathering information concerning 2000 census information in order to study the issue of proper allocation of judicial resources.  The Committee is composed of members of the judiciary, the state bar, court officials, business leaders, and laymen, and functions to study issues related to the Judiciary.

• The Legislature is considering the appointment of a special commission to study the issue of judicial campaign reform, which would report its finding and recommendations to the Legislature and the Supreme Court.

• The AOC has hired a Public Information Officer to foster better judiciary/media relations.

• The AOC is producing a video for use by parents and other interested parties who are faced with having a child in a youth court matter.

Contact: Kevin Lackey, Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts, P.O. Box 117, Jackson, MS 39205, 601/354-7406, Fax: 601/354-7459, klackey@mssc.state.ms.us.

• Mississippi Supreme Court

MISSOURI

The Judicial Conference, the organization of all Missouri judges, held a Public Trust and Confidence Conference at the Supreme Court to kick off a number of activities. Missouri uses a range of programs and activities to promote public trust and confidence in the courts.  Among those related to public education and information are: 

• The Judiciary’s Internet Website provides all Supreme Court opinions with summaries within minutes of issuance, dates on which decisions will be issued, decision lists, the docket and summaries of cases scheduled to be argued, judicial biographies, bar examination results, descriptions and contacts for Supreme Court offices and many related entities, updated rules and orders, media guidelines and coordinator listings, and more.  The site also provides all appellate court opinions with search capability, select dockets, judicial biographies, legislative reports, materials related to court automation such as legislative reports, and directory information about each circuit court.  The site features news of events, such as vacancies and appointments on the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice’s State of the Judiciary address, and permits electronic inquiry to the courts.  

• Communications Counsel of the Supreme Court serves as a contact for the media, public, and internal court staff.  For example, in response to media or personal inquiries, without offering legal advice, the Counsel may discuss court procedure, explain legalese, supply background and direct to appropriate contacts.  The Counsel controls the Web page contents and is involved with the projects identified below.  The Counsel serves on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee of the Bar for public education programs.  The Jackson County courts also employ a public information officer.  

• Supreme Court tours and “Missouri Courts: A Model for the Nation”.  Thousands of people tour the Supreme Court Building each spring.  The Judges of the Supreme Court have offered their law clerks to provide informative tours.  The Court provided a videotape for high school students that addresses the Court’s organization and jurisdiction, case processing, and judicial selection. 

• Supreme Court brochures include a history of the Court, judicial biographies, and the non-partisan court plan. 

• The judges of the Supreme Court often engage in lectures and discussions about various areas of judicial interest, such as organization and jurisdiction, judicial selection, and judicial independence.  For example, Judge Benton this year has spoken or will speak to myriad schools, from elementary schools to college and law schools; city, county, and state bar associations and meetings; radio listening audiences; 4-H and scouting groups; adult and student forensic and debate groups; chambers of commerce; church-sponsored events; senior citizen seminars; military-oriented programs; organizations such as the National Association of Women Judges, the Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Society of Military Comptrollers, the United Way, the Judicial Conference; the Rotary Club(s); the Red Cross, etc.  He also taught a law school class at the University of Missouri and will teach at Westminster.  He addresses all new lawyers each year at their bar enrollment.  Furthermore, each Supreme Court judge speaks to various student groups about organization, jurisdiction, court procedure, and judicial independence when students visit the Supreme Court.  Although, possibly not to the extent of the Chief Justice, each judge also donates time to speaking and lectures.  For example, Supreme Court Judge Price recently hosted forums with the Jaycees.  Supreme Court Judge Covington is President of the Missouri Press-Bar Commission. 

Contact: Nancy Griggs, Director of Court Services, Office of State Courts Administrator, P.O. Box 104480, Jefferson City, MO 65110, 573/751-4377, Fax: 573/751-5540, Nancy_Griggs@courts.mo.gov or Beth S. Riggert, Communications Counsel, Supreme Court of Missouri, P.O. Box 150, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573/751-3676, Fax: 573/751-7514, beth_riggert@courts.mo.gov,

• The Missouri Judiciary

MONTANA

In 2000, the Montana Supreme Court created a 15-member Equal Justice Task Force comprised of 8 lawyers, a judge, and 6 persons considered active participants in the justice system.  The purpose of the Task Force is to study the legal needs of low and moderate income people; provide long-range, integrated planning among numerous legal assistance providers and other interested agencies and entities; coordinate civil access to justice; foster the development of a statewide, integrated civil legal services delivery system; design and implement new programs to expand access to justice opportunities; work toward securing adequate funding for civil access to justice; and report to the Supreme Court at least annually about its activities and progress.

Contact:  Rick Lewis, Court Administrator, Montana Supreme Court, 215 N. Sanders, Helena, MT 59620, 406/444-2627, Fax: 406/444-0834.

• State Law Library of Montana

NEBRASKA

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Information from the Nebraska Supreme Court annual report 2000 can be found by clicking on the title above. Although many of these projects are not technically "community-based justice reform" they do fall under the heading of "Public Trust and Confidence."

General Contact: Joseph C. Steele, State Court Administrator, Administrative Office of the Courts/Probation, State Capitol Building, Room 1220, P.O. Box 98910, Lincoln, NE 68509-8910, 402/471-3730, Fax: 402/471-2197, jsteele@nsc.state.ne.us.

The Minority and Justice Task Force is a combined effort of the Supreme Court and the State Bar Association to analyze the problems minorities encounter in the court system and legal profession.   The Task Force announced the appointment of Mr. Eduardo Zendejas as the project coordinator.  The Minority and Justice Task Force is composed of thirty-three members from throughout Nebraska, including judges, attorneys, and members of many of Nebraska's minority communities. The Task Force is co-chaired by Justice John M. Gerrard.  The project will examine issues of racial and ethnic fairness within four major areas including personnel and employment practices with the courts; access to the courts; civil, criminal and juvenile justice; and the legal profession.  Mr. Zendejas  will coordinate the activities of the Task Force including conducting necessary research, developing findings and recommendations, and planning for necessary changes to ensure equal access to justice and the legal profession.

Contact: Judy Beutler at the Administrative Office of the Courts, 402/471-2921.

Drug Court Committee: The Nebraska Supreme Court has established a committee to evaluate the feasibility of implementing "drug courts" or other similar "community courts" in Nebraska.  The committee, appointed in January 2001, will also advise the Supreme Court whether such courts would have a positive effect on the administration of justice in the State and, if so, to provide the Court with recommendations for the structure and integration of such courts into the judicial system.

Contact: Joe Steele, Administrative Office of the Courts, 402/471-3730.

The Office of Dispute Resolution, created in 1991, is part of the Administrative Office of the Courts.  The Office, with input from its advisory council, oversees the development of dispute resolution and collaborative problem solving programs in Nebraska.  The office works collaboratively with six non-profit mediation centers which provide services to the entire state.  This public-private partnership creates an efficient, effective and responsive system that enhances existing structures and fosters new opportunities to prevent and resolve conflict.  The volume and types of cases handled by the ODR system continue to grow and expand. During 2000, family/divorce, small claims, and victim-offender (restorative justice) cases comprised the most cases filed. The three top referral sources for mediation services were small claims court, legal service organizations, and social service agencies.  The ODR system serves citizens from all economic levels, but 67% of the clients served earned $20,000 or less.  Through outreach, training, and workshops, the ODR system touched over 5000 Nebraska citizens during 1999-2000. The system is dependent on trained volunteers committed to the common goal of peace making.  Over 7,000 volunteer hours were logged during 1999-2000.  

Contact: Wendy Hind, Office of Dispute Resolution, 402/471-3148.

The Court Improvement Project continues to support efforts to improve the functioning of juvenile courts in Nebraska. A major endeavor during the year 2000 was to maintain Family Group Conference projects in three pilot areas while working with Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Dispute Resolution to implement Family Group Conferencing statewide.   CIP staff  began an evaluation of the Family Group Conferencing project in addition to completing an evaluation of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs.  The CASA evaluation found that CASA volunteers increased both the quality and quantity of information available to judges when compared to cases that did not have CASAs assigned.   CIP completed a project tracking the implementation of the Adoption and Safe Family Act in Nebraska courts and distributed the findings to the Supreme Court, individual judges, and relevant agencies.   Court Improvement Project funds were used for guardian ad litem training provided by Nebraska Continuing Legal Education and are supporting a revision of the Nebraska Juvenile Code.  To assist the three separate juvenile courts in achieving timely permanence for abused and neglected children, the Court Improvement Project has obtained a federal grant to foster collaboration between Department of Health and Human Services and court staff.  

Contact: Janice Walker, Administrative Office of the Courts, 402-471-2764.

Supreme Court Client Security Fund Committee: The Supreme Court believes that an adequately funded, accessible, and responsive Client Security Fund is vitally important to increase and maintain the public's confidence in the legal profession. To that end, on October 29, 2000, the Supreme Court, with the support of the Nebraska State Bar Association, established a committee to study the existing Client Security Fund and to make recommendations to the Supreme Court regarding how the fund's operation can be improved.  

Contact: Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman, Chair, Nebraska Supreme Court, 402-471-3734.

The Nebraska Supreme Court Gender Fairness Implementation Committee under the leadership of Justice John M. Gerrard, continues to work toward gender equity in the Nebraska court system for all participants. The membership of this committee includes representatives from the judiciary, court administration, bar, law schools, and lay persons.  During 2000, the Education subcommittee produced a videotape addressing the impact of gender bias on the legal profession and judicial system. Financial assistance for this project came from the Nebraska State Bar Association in cooperation with the Family Law, Labor and Employment Law, and Women and the Law Sections of the NSBA.   The tape has been viewed at the Nebraska Bar Association meetings, judges' meetings, and county court employees' meetings. Further distribution of the videotape is planned.   Other projects and accomplishments of the Committee include: reviewing legislation; monitoring appointments to the bench; adding a fast track process to be used for all complaints against judges that allege violations of workplace harassment; and additions to the Judges Bench Book regarding  protection orders.  

Contact: Judy Beutler, Administrative Office of the Courts, 402/471-2921.

Legislative Court Visit Program: At the request of Chief Justice Hendry, Nebraska trial court judges have hosted state senators for a day in court.  The purpose of the Legislative Court Visit Program is to give the legislators a better understanding of the court system and the complexity, volume, and variety of work in the county and district courts. The court visits give state senators a chance to observe court proceedings and to talk with local judges and court employees.  It also provides an opportunity, in the words of one participating senator, to "see how the laws we pass work."  Participating senators and judges are surveyed at the conclusion of the program and both groups overwhelmingly vouch for the benefits afforded by the experience.  The Legislative Court Visit Program is conducted each year for new senators. 

Contact: Janet Hammer, Administrative Office of the Courts, 402/471-3205.

Spanish interpreters who serve Nebraska courts were provided training and testing during the year 2000.  The Nebraska Supreme Court belongs to a consortium for interpreter certification directed  by the National Center for State Courts.  This 24-state consortium conducts standardized interpreting tests for court interpreters wishing to be certified.  In September, a two-day workshop was offered in Grand Island with the purpose of increasing professionalism of Spanish language interpreters.  In November, 44 interpreters from across the state took an exam given by staff of the Administrative Office of the Courts with the hope of becoming certified under this program. The Court plans to develop similar programs for other languages in the future.  As those services are available, interpreters will be notified and invited to attend.  

Contact: Ken Wade, Administrative Office of the Courts, 402/471-2671.

Judicial Branch Education: The Nebraska Supreme Court appointed members to a newly created Judicial Branch Education Advisory Committee in December 2000.  The committee and its duties are the work product of a group of judges and staff representing all levels of courts in Nebraska.  Throughout the upcoming months, committee members will design a structure to provide continuing education to all employees in the court system.   The goal of this continuing education is to maintain and improve the professional competency of all judicial branch employees, enhancing the performance of the judicial system as a whole. Additional objectives are to assist judicial branch employees in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to perform their responsibilities fairly, correctly, and efficiently; to promote judicial branch employees' adherence to the highest standards of personal and official conduct; to preserve the integrity and impartiality of the judicial system by developing programs aimed at eliminating bias and prejudice, and the appearance of bias and prejudice; to promote effective court practices and procedures; to improve the administration of justice; and to enhance public confidence in the judicial system. 

Contact: Janet Hammer, Administrative Office of the Courts, 402/471-3205.

Teen Courts (supported by judges, but not sponsored by the court) give four Nebraska towns an innovative approach to teen crime.  The State's first teen court was formed in Sarpy County in October 1995.  Nebraska now has four teen courts with the recent addition of one on the Santee Sioux Indian reservation. Douglas and Lancaster counties have similar courts. A teen court works much like a regular court, except the prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, bailiffs and jurors are all teenagers. Lawyers volunteer to serve as judges. In Sarpy County, nine attorneys rotate as judges for court, which is held every Tuesday and Thursday evening in two regular courtrooms at the county courthouse. Defendants are selected for teen court by coordinators of the court. Teen court is not a court where guilt and innocence is determined. Only those ages 13 through 17 who have pleaded guilty are eligible. Also, only first-time offenders, facing non-violent misdemeanors are included. No drug cases are allowed.

The idea is to select offenders who deserve a second chance. Panels of six or twelve jurors hear testimony in the case and decide sanctions. Sentences in teen court are very creative. They have included apology letters, tours of local jails, return of stolen items, ride along with police, and improving grades in school. All defendants in teen court are required to perform community service and volunteer as a teen court juror as part of their sentence. When it's all over, teens leave the courthouse with a clean record.   If they fail to fulfill the sanctions passed down by the teen court, they are returned to regular juvenile court. Further information is available from the juvenile courts in Sarpy, Douglas, Lancaster County and the Santee Reservation High School.

Mock Trial Competition.  Across Nebraska, judges and court employees participated as volunteers in the Nebraska State Bar  Foundation mock trial competition.  During 2000, 151 teams representing 81 schools took part in the state competition.  In May 2001 the National High School Mock Trial Championship was held in Omaha with teams from across the nation gathering to compete.   Over 100 judges participated in this national competition which draws approximately 1000 participants and attendees.  

Contact: Nebraska State Bar Foundation, 402/475-1042.

• Nebraska Judicial Branch

• Nebraska State Bar Association

NEVADA

Mental Health Courts: Several district courts in the State of Nevada have been considering a plan to establish a mental health court.  The program would divert people charged with minor offenses who have mental health problems to the proposed court where a district judge could order mental health evaluations.  Washoe County has a task force of police, mental health professionals, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and others who have been working on a proposal. Proposed legislation (currently pending) would make it clear that limited jurisdiction courts have the authority to transfer those cases to district court.

Drug Courts: The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) registered for the Drug Court Planning Initiative on behalf of the Nevada Judiciary in May 2000. The cost of the workshops and travel expenses for the team members are paid through the Drug Court Program Office.  Because there is no cost to the drug court teams, rural courts were able to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Upon successful completion of the drug court training program, it is likely that communities will be eligible to apply for implementation funds in fiscal year 2002.

Contact: Susan Strauss, Management Analyst, Administrative Office of the Courts, 201 S. Carson St., Ste. 250, Carson City, NV 89701, 775/684-1712, Fax: 775/684-1723, sstrauss@nvcourts.state.nv.us.

The Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) (Protection Orders) went on-line with the Nevada Protection Order registry on July 19, 2000.  A computer software program developed by Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (DMV & PS), allows individual Courts throughout the state to perform data entry of Protection Order information and within minutes the information is accessible to other courts and law enforcement agencies.  The Administrative Office of the Courts provided updated computer systems that were able to handle the software program and link with the registry in Carson City through funds obtained from the Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies.

Contact: Wendy Wilkenson, Violence Intervention, Eighth Judicial District Court, North Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV  89101, 702/455-3400, Fax: 702/455-0027.

Drug Court Developments: Under implementation is an Early-Release Drug Court Program for non-violent prison inmates who are within two years of probable release and are addicted to drugs.  Twelve inmates are currently participating in the program; four have been approved for release; another six are in review.  A bill is pending before this legislative session that will increase eligibility by allowing inmates to have up to five felonies instead of a total of two.  To the court’s knowledge, this represents the first program of its kind in the United States.  Also implemented is a Child Support Drug Court for non-custodial parents who are not meeting their court ordered support obligation because they are addicted to drugs.  There are currently eighteen individuals in the program.  This also represents the first program of its kind in the United States.

There is also participation in the Female Offender Task Force recently established by the Director of the Nevada Department of Prisons (NDOP).  This is an initiative to look at a continuum of services and programs for the female offender within institutions, as well as pre- and post-incarceration.

Contact: Kendis Stake, Drug Court Manager, Eighth Judicial District Court, 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV  89101, 702/455-2060, Fax: 702/455-5551, stakeke@co.clark.nv.us.

Court Appointed Special Advocate Program – 8^th Judicial District Court: The Court Improvement Project has funded numerous undertakings, i.e., Families Visiting Project in Reno; Children's Attorney Project in Clark County; Health & Education Passport Project in Clark County, and Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) seminars statewide, all of which have been very successful.  The Training Partnership has sponsored numerous statewide and local training events for attorneys, caseworkers, foster parents, child advocates, and police officers with extremely positive feedback and results. The Children's Attorney Project has hired two full-time attorneys plus trained private members of the Bar to serve as legal counsel for abused/neglected children with outstanding success. The Diligent Search Project has developed guidelines and criteria and hired a part-time employee to search for relatives of abused/neglected children in care.  The Children's Justice Task Force has assisted in the coordination of child welfare services statewide through seminars, annual reports and conjoint meetings with other groups in the arena.

Contact: Linda D. Ley, CASA Manager, Eighth Judicial District Court, 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV  89101, 702/455-4306, Fax: 702/455-5297, leylind@co.clark.nv.us.

Family Mediation Center – 8^th Judicial District provides vital adjunct support to the court and provides neutral, independent, specialized services to the courts and parties.  The FMC provides eight primary services: 1) mediation services; 2) child interviews; 3) interviews with minors seeking permission to marry; 4) Program Coordinator for court-mandated divorce seminar (Transparenting); 5) coordination of outsourced services; 6) criminal history/juvenile records check; 7) court consultation; and 8) information/community education and referral.

Contact: LaDeana Gamble, FMC, Eighth Judicial District Court, 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV  89101, 702/455-4186, Fax: 702/455-2158, GAMBLE@co.clark.nv.us

Arbitration Surveys: The 8^th Judicial District Court's Arbitration Office recently concluded its 2000-2001 Arbitrator Survey asking attorneys who completed a final arbitration hearing to rate their arbitrator and to state whether he/she should be retained on the panel of approved arbitrators. Over 1,500 survey forms were sent out asking sixteen questions about the arbitrator.  Over 1,000 responses (a 65% response rate) were received.  In all, those responding rated 174 arbitrators (approximately 83% of the active arbitrators on the panel) in 730 different arbitration cases.  168 arbitrators were asked to be retained; 79 arbitrators received both a "yes" and "no" to the question as to whether or not they should be retained.  Responses indicated only 5 arbitrators should not be retained and those responding were unsure about 25.  Four arbitrators voluntarily withdrew their names from the panel as the result of the survey.  With respect to those arbitrators whom respondents indicated should not be retained or were unsure, the single largest complaint was that the arbitrator did not fairly weigh all the evidence and the arguments of counsel before rendering his/her decision (four out of five arbitrators received this complaint). 

The results of the survey  have recently been sent, confidentially, to each of the arbitrators who were rated, and in many cases, arbitrators have been personally contacted about their ratings.  Based upon the responses, the Assistant Arbitration Commissioner will be conducting arbitrator continuing legal education (CLE) for all arbitrators in April-May 2001.  Recently, a survey of participants in arbitration was initiated; parties at a final arbitration hearing are given an evaluation form to complete and return.  The results are not yet available.

As a further effort to improve the arbitration program, the Arbitration Office has worked closely with the State Bar of Nevada in several ways, including attending and contributing to alternative dispute resolute (ADR) seminars sponsored by the State Bar and working with the State Bar in making annual arbitration a CLE requirement in order to remain on the approved panel of arbitrators for the court-annexed arbitration program.

Contact: Chris Beecroft, Jr., Asst. Arbitration Commissioner , Eighth Judicial District Court, Arbitration Office, 200 S. Third St., Las Vegas, NV  89155, 702/455-4383, Fax: 702/455-4355, beecrof@co.clark.nv.us.

The Clark County Family Law Self Help Center: An additional Public Service Representative (public assistance/receptionist) position was added in March, 2001 so the Center can maintain quality of services and timely customer assistance.  The Center will replace one public typewriter with a computer and printer.  The Center is also investigating the best procedure to make its Web site interactive.  Once the forms on the Center's Web site become interactive, customers will be able to use the unit to customize the Center's forms and print them for a nominal charge. In early 2000 the Center extended hours one day per week so that customers would not need to take time from work to visit the Center.  The new hours were prompted by numerous customer requests.  The Center will be investigating the feasibility of additional extended hours in the near future.

Contact: Rachelle M. Resnick, Program Manager, Eighth Judicial District Court, 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV  89101-2408, 702/455-0021, Fax: 702/382-1090, fdshc01@co.clark.nv.us, District Court Self-Help Center.

The Nevada Trial Lawyers Association (NTLA), through its public education arm, the Nevada Foundation for Consumer Education, has been presenting The People's Law School, free of charge, since 1986.  In even-numbered years it takes place in southern Nevada and in odd-numbered years in northern Nevada.  Its purpose is to educate the citizens of Nevada regarding their constitutional, legal and consumer rights.  The school consists of twelve classes held two at a time during a six-week period.  Extensive advertising is utilized in the presentation geographical area advising the general public of its date, time, and place.  Volunteer instructors consist of members of the Nevada Supreme Court, Nevada Legislature, and NTLA member attorneys—all covering the areas of law in which they practice.  The school is videotaped and the tapes made available to public television stations throughout Nevada.

NFCE also sponsors a Speakers Bureau.   Most recently, NFCE joined efforts with the Clark County School District, the University of Nevada Las Vegas Safe Community Partnership, and the Nevada Independent Insurance Agents and created a teenage driving course, Hitting the Road:  Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Driver.  The goal of this class is to not only create more skilled teen drivers but to also educate young people about their driving responsibilities. 

Contact: Cynthia J. Carter, Administration & Communication Coordinator, Nevada Trial Lawyers Association, 406 N. Nevada St., Carson City, NV  89703, 775/883-3577, Fax: 775/883-5372, ccarter@powernet.netwww.ntla.org.

Contact: Bill Gang, State Program Coordinator, Administrative Office of the Courts, Supreme Court, 316 Bridger Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101, (702) 486-3232, bgang@nvcourts.state.nv.us.

• Nevada Supreme Court

• District Court Self-Help Center

• Nevada Trial Lawyers Association

2001 Data not available.  For past activities, see the information listed on the Office of Justice Initiatives web site.

• New Hampshire Judicial Branch

Following up on its Strategic Plan, the New Jersey Courts are implementing “best practices” and uniform standards statewide in the Civil, Family, Criminal, Municipal, and the Probation divisions of the state’s trial courts. The bar has representatives on the respective planning committees that are developing rules and procedures.

Contact: Winnie Comfort, Director, Office of Public Affairs, New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, Hughes Justice Complex, P.O. Box 37, Trenton, NJ 08625, 609/292-9789; Fax: 609/777-0551, winnie.comfort@judiciary.state.nj.us.

The New Jersey Supreme Court has created the Supreme Court Commission on the Rules of Professional Conduct. The commission is charged with reviewing New Jersey’s legal profession’s standards of professional conduct in the context of the report recently presented by the American Bar Association Ethics 2000 Commission.

Contact: Stephen W. Townsend, Esq., Clerk of the Supreme Court, Hughes Justice Complex, P.O. Box 970, Trenton, NJ 08625, 609/292-4839, Fax: 609/396-9056.

The New Jersey Courts are expanding five Drug Court Pilot Programs statewide. Legislation recently introduced funds the expansion and provides additional judicial resources and drug treatment funding for offenders.

Contact: David P. Anderson, Jr., Director, Office of Professional and Governmental Services, Administrative Office of the Courts, Hughes Justice Complex, Trenton, NJ, 08625, 609/292-8553, Fax: 609/777-0551.

The New Jersey Courts will begin to implement the first jury pay increase in over 50 years. The Legislature recently approved the judiciary’s long-standing efforts to raise juror pay from $5.00 per day to $40.00 per day, starting on the 4^th day of service.

Contact: Michael F. Garrahan, Esq., Project Manager, Administrative Office of the Courts, Hughes Justice Complex, Trenton, NJ 08625, 609/292-2634.

General Contact for PT&C: David P. Anderson, Jr., Director, Office of Professional and Governmental Services, Administrative Office of the Courts, Hughes Justice Complex, Trenton, NJ 08625, 609/292-8553, Fax: 609/777-0551.

• New Jersey Judiciary Kids

• New Jersey Volunteer Services

• The New Jersey Judiciary

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