The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m., June 13, 2002. Acting Executive Secretary Ted Gladden called role which reflected the following members of the Judicial Conference were present:
Following roll call, Justice William A. Neumann discussed the outline for the Group Decision Center (GDC) process that would be used to support the work of the Judicial Planning Committee. He introduced members of the Judicial Planning Committee in attendance as observers. They were invited to sit at vacant computers so they could watch the dialog being conducted as part of the GDC process.
The GDC process continued on June 13 until the meeting was adjourned for the General Assembly Meeting of the Bar Association at 3:00 p.m.
The Judicial Conference meeting reconvened at 8:00 a.m., June 14, 2002. The GDC process was completed at 10:45 a.m.
Judge James M. Bekken, Chair of the Judicial Conference, convened the meeting at 10:40 a.m. The outgoing members of the Continuing Judicial Education Commission, David McGeary, Juvenile Supervisor, and Judge M. Richard Geiger received service plaques from the Commission Chair, Judge Donald L. Jorgensen. Judge Jorgensen reminded participants to submit subjects for the spring 2003 Judicial Institute.
Brian Neugebauer, Chair of the Judiciary Standards Committee, was called upon for remarks regarding the proposed judicial improvement program the committee has developed. Mr. Neugebauer discussed the proposed rule and indicated that if there are no suggestions for amendment, the rule would be submitted to the Supreme Court for consideration. The purpose of the rule is to provide a mechanism for providing meaningful feedback to judges to assist them as judicial officers. He stressed that confidentiality is a concern, and these records would not be available through the open records law. An outside organization will gather and tabulate comments received. The instrument will not be used until a new judge has been in office for at least two years.
Chair Bekken reported on the Jury Standards Committee membership. Judge Joel D. Medd will serve as the chair. Former chair, Judge Robert W. Holte, will continue as a member.
Chair Bekken then recognized the members of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee. Following recognition of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee members, he called upon Justice Neumann, co-chair of the Compensation Committee. He referred to the report made on Wednesday at the judges meeting regarding the proposed strategy of the Compensation Committee for the 2003 legislative session.
There was nothing new regarding legislative proposals brought before the membership.
Jim Ganje commented on an interim Judiciary A Committee bill regarding mental health proceedings. He indicated that the proposal calls for a preliminary hearing to be conducted within four days contrasted with the seven days that are currently in the law.
Memorial Resolutions were read for the Honorable Douglas Heen and the Honorable Eugene Burdick. Chair Bekken indicated that Memorial Resolutions for Honorable William Paulson and the Honorable O.A. Schulz would be presented at the luncheon as family members would be present to receive the resolutions.
Meeting adjourned.