Judicial Education Commission September 21, 2001 Minutes

Judicial Education Commission

"Draft" Minutes

Continuing Judicial Education Commission

September 21, 2001

Conference Call

I. Opening Business:

A. The meeting convened at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Hon. Donald Jorgensen; Hon. Ronald Goodman; Justice Carol Kapsner; Peggy Larson; Hon. Bill Severin, Shawn Peterson and Candace Zierdt.

B. The Commission Chair, Judge Jorgensen, welcomed all who were taking part.

II. Ongoing Business:

Chair Jorgensen requested Justice Kapsner inform members of the outcome of her meeting with the Council of Presiding Judges concerning the strategic plan. Justice Kapsner explained that the Council of Presiding Judges believed the plan itself was comprehensive and very aggressive. There was a general consensus that certain goals outlined in the plan crossed over with the goals of the Public Trust and Confidence Committee and the Caseload Management Committee. Justice Kapsner explained to the Council that it was not the intention of the Commission to implement those goals that cross over independently, but listed them as areas where the various education subcommittees felt they needed to be addressed. Chief Justice VandeWalle requested that the Chair of the Commission participate in the next meeting of the Committee of Public Trust and Confidence and the Caseflow Management Committee in order to present the plan to them.

Candace Zierdt suggested requesting the two committees to submit their comments concerning the plan to the Commission in time for its November meeting.

Alternative to Attending Municipal Judge Seminar. Chair Jorgensen explained that Carla Kolling received a letter from Municipal Judge Samuel Johnson informing her that he was unable to attend the October Municipal Judge=s Seminar due to scheduling conflicts. He said he contacted Judge Johnson and informed him that he would have to schedule 8 hours (two- 4 hour segments) of mentoring with a district judge of his choice. He informed him that it would have to be Ain court time@ similar to a master calendar type setting.

Judge Goodman stated that he thought 8 hours was good but that two - 4 hour segments was too long and that 2 hour blocks over a period of time would be better.

Judge Severin stated that he did not believe it should be limited to master calendar but should focus on those areas of most need to the judge. Judge Goodman agreed and stated that Judge Johnson spends a great deal of time in the courtroom and that more one-on-one time with a judge would be more beneficial.

Justice Kapsner suggested that there should be guidelines for the focus of the education. She recommended that the members consider what subject areas should be identified and incorporated into a checklist. Chair Jorgensen requested the members to have a list compiled for review at the next meeting.

The Commission was in agreement that if structured properly this may be a good alternative for a judge who cannot attend the yearly program. However, it will not be authorized on a yearly basis. Chair Jorgensen agreed to visit with Judge Johnson concerning the Commission's decision.

C. Bench & Bar Seminar. Chair Jorgensen informed the members that the planning of the Bench & Bar has always been a joint effort between the Judiciary and the State Bar. This year it was the Bar=s turn to identify the topic area, and they chose to have the entire program directed towards Adoption and Safe Families Act. He explained that Tara Muhlhauser, Chris Hogan, Judge Christofferson and Greg Wallace had been working on an agenda for the program. Chair Jorgensen stated that during a phone call with the State Bar, he indicated to them that he did not like the fact that the curriculum only applied to a small group of attorneys and that perhaps it should be offered through a different venue. He stated that the State Bar did eventually agree to change the focus of the program. Chair Jorgensen suggested that the Commission have more involvement in the planning of the Bench & Bar and, as a result, will be visiting with Christine Hogan in order to strengthen the relationship between the State Bar and the Commission.

D. Defibulator. Judge Goodman inquired whether the Court Services Subcommittee had taken any action on his request to have a defibulator in the courthouse. Chair Jorgensen commented that he will be bringing it before Court Services at their next meeting. Justice Kapsner stated that she had visited with Mark Johnson, Association of Counties, and he informed her that they are addressing it since it was a county issue.

E. Chair Jorgensen suggested that the judiciary sponsor a 2002 Judicial Institute to address the issues relating to assisted reproduction. Justice Kapsner commented that Justice Maring requested that judges receive training on the confidentiality of drug and alcohol records.

Chair Jorgensen suggested that the members bring agenda items for the 2002 Institute to the Monday, November 19 dinner meeting. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carla Kolling

Director of Human Resources & Development