Present:
Judge John T. Paulson, Chair
Judge James M. Bekken
Judge Gail Hagerty
Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner
Justice Mary Muehlen Maring
Judge Bruce Romanick
Staff:
Ted Gladden, Executive Secretary
Chair Paulson called the meeting to order. The meeting was opened with a discussion of subjects for the November meeting. It was suggested legislation should be discussed as part of the business meeting. Discussion focused on allowing one hour for legislation, about 45 minutes to an hour on retirement and health benefits for judges, and one-half hour on compensation alternatives. The ND Judges Association meeting should be held Tuesday morning to visit with the lobbyist for the upcoming session.
In regards to an agenda for the conference, Ted Gladden indicated that Linda Jensen of Human Resource Management Services was available to talk on workplace conduct. Another topic discussed was media relations by Ron Keefover, the public information officer from the Kansas Judiciary. Discussion then focused on the possibility of using a panel as part of the presentation on media relations. Justice Maring discussed the possibility of a mediation program. It was suggested that a two-day program would be too long for the Judicial Conference and it might better lend itself to the Judicial Institute. Justice Maring then discussed a program that she recently attended at Brooklyn Law School on science and the law. She suggested that this might be an excellent program for future Judicial Conference consideration. Justice Kapsner expressed interest in having a law and literature program involving the new dean. There was some concern over whether or not it should be mandatory, and it was concluded that this should be a voluntary program offered Monday evening if the Presiding Judges meeting could be moved.
After further discussion, Ted Gladden was directed to contact Ron Keefover and Linda Jensen to develop programs for the Judicial Conference. Sparb Collins will present a program on benefits for the business meeting.
It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2004 meeting. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned.