2021 Judicial Conference Program

GOALS/INITIATIVES FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

The goal of the Chief Judge’s Committee in the upcoming year is to continue to make updates and changes to allow the District Court to run as efficiently as possible so that justice can be properly administered.

SUBCOMMITTEE AND WORK GROUPS

Chief Clerk’s Subcommittee The purpose of the Chief Clerk’s Subcommittee is to provide representation of the clerks in the District Courts, to ensure that all clerks of the District Court are aware of any changes that may affect their daily jobs, and to promote productivity. The subcommittee is designed to inform administrative clerks from each district of changes to business processes, as well as to obtain feedback from them about the individual districts. The subcommittee works on similar topics as the Chief Judge’s Committee. At every meeting, there are updates provided by the chief judge and the chief clerk, particularly about the status of MDEC, CONNECT, and the budget. Information has been provided about form updates and building services such as courthouse security and equipment. Legislative updates have been provided to explain any form changes, and best practices are shared to implement these changes. The status of MDEC continues to be discussed to keep the administrative clerks informed about the training and implementation that is on-going in MDEC counties. The administrative clerks in the MDEC counties provide feedback and tips so that other administrative clerks can be prepared when their district implements MDEC. The executive directors of each District Court Headquarters department provide updates regarding their work. Topics such as the ADR program and Court Help Centers are discussed so that the administrative clerks can relay that information to their clerks in order to assist self-represented litigants. Any legislative changes are discussed so that the administrative clerks will understand any modifications needed in the clerk’s office. Criminal and Traffic Work Group/Civil and Domestic Work Group There are two work groups of District Court Chief Judge’s Committee – the Civil Work Group and the Criminal and Traffic Work Group. Each work group consists of eight members and is designed to provide advice to the Chief Judge in their areas of expertise. The two work groups are implemented on an “as needed” basis. The use of the work groups arises especially when any form changes are needed. When a law changes, the appropriate work group will meet to edit current forms to comply with the existing law.

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