MINUTES
Members Present Judge John Jorgensen, Chair Judge John Irby Judge Ronald Goodman Judge Bill McLees Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner Shawn Peterson Jean Carrier | Members Absent Judge William Severin Professor Candace Zierdt
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The judicial education budget was discussed. A motion to approve the 2005-2007 budget was made by Judge McLees and seconded by Judge Goodman. Motion carried.
The committee discussed clerks of court, support staff, and court reporter training. Training is provided and paid for by the Supreme Court. Free lance reporters are required to pay a fee for their training.
Chair Jorgensen informed the committee that Judge Nelson has asked for continuing education hours for self study. Discussion followed on requesting prior approval on self study programs as required by Rule 6c. The committee will check with Minnesota on their self study program. The committee will have to develop standards in regards to a self study program. A motion to approve of 9 hours continuing judicial education for Judge Nelson was made by Judge Goodman and seconded by Judge Irby. Motion carried.
Discussion then followed on Rule AR 36 6c. Justice Kapsner asked for an amendment on
Rule 6c. Self study would be given 20 percent of the continuing education hours. A motion to
recommend an amendment to Rule 6c to include that the commission may grant credit for self
study courses and other educational means approved in advanced up to 20 percent of the
continuing judicial education. Judge Irby seconded. Motion carried.
The Judicial Institute was next on the agenda. The Institute is May 23-26, 2004. Chair Jorgensen informed the group that there has been a request for the Domestic Violence Bench Book to have a three hour block. Chair Jorgensen listed the other topics that were suggested for the Institute. He suggested that this be combined with Family Law in teh 21st Century which was suggested by Justice Maring. Judge Hagerty suggested Professor Winery from the University of Oklahoma Law School on Forensic Evidence. He has consented to present at the Institute. Professor Buckley from George Mason University would have someone present on the scientific viewpoint. Justice Kapsner stated that the suggestions of jurisdiction of the trial court after notice of appeal and what is and isn't allowed in closing arguments would be excellent topics for the Bench and Bar. Chair Jorgensen felt that we should also add an ethics component. Judge Goodman suggested asking Dan Crothers to present what information he just received from his recent training on ethics. Judge Goodman will contact Dan Crothers. Chair Jorgensen will also get suggestions from the Judicial Conference. A telephone conference will be set up in December to finalize the agenda for the Institute.
Chair Jorgensen stated that the municipal judges have been completing their required continuing learning education credits. He has had requests for alternative continuing education and has been completing those on a case by case basis. Discussion followed on the mentor requirements to fulfill alternative requirements. He stated his appreciation for Judge Severin on behalf of the commission for his work with the Municipal Judges Seminar.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon.
Respectfully submitted