The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m., June 14, 2001. Executive Secretary Keithe Nelson called role which reflected the following members of the Judicial Conference were present:
Judges of Supreme Court
Gerald W. VandeWalle
William A. Neumann
Dale V. Sandstrom
Mary Muehlen Maring
Carol Ronning Kapsner
Judges of District Court
Gail Hagerty
Donald L. Jorgensen
Burt L. Riskedahl
Bruce Romanick
Robert W. Holte
William W. McLees
Gerald H. Rustad
M. Richard Geiger
Lee A. Christofferson
Laurie A. Fontaine
Donovan Foughty
Lester Ketterling
John C. McClintock, Jr.
Debbie Kleven
Bruce E. Bohlman
Karen K. Braaten
Joel D. Medd
Allan L. Schmalenberger
Michael O. McGuire
Norman J. Backes
Geogia Dawson
Ralph R. Erickson
Frank L. Racek
Cynthia Rothe-Seeger
John T. Paulson
James M. Bekken
Ronald E. Goodman
John E. Greenwood
Mikal Simonson
Municipal Judges
Robert A. Keogh
Surrogate Judges
Gordon O. Hoberg
Maurice R. Hunke
Jon R. Kerian
James H. O'Keefe
Kirk Smith
Attorney General
Wayne K. Stenehjem
Clerk of Supreme Court
Penny Miller
Dean of UND School of Law
Jeremy Davis
Members of the Bar
Steven J. Lies
Sherry Mills Moore
Michael D. Sturdevant
James S. Hill
Michael F. Daley
Chair Dale V. Sandstrom announced the death of Judge David Nelson's father. He asked everyone to stand and observe a moment of silence. Chair Sandstrom next introduced Magistrate Judge Karen K. Klein who spoke on the subject of judicial settlement. A copy of her handout entitled "Judicial Mediation" is available from the State Court Administrator's Office.
Chair Sandstrom introduced Dick Elefson at 10:15 a.m. who spoke on the subject of "gambling addiction", a copy of his material is included in the Judicial Conference book.
The Judicial Conference recessed at 11:30 a.m. for the SBAND Law School Luncheon.
BUSINESS MEETING
At 1:30 p.m., the Judicial Conference reconvened, and Justice Sandstrom introduced Jim Ganje who provided legislative updates. A copy of his material is contained in the Judicial Conference book.
At 2:05 p.m., Justice Sandstrom introduced Judge Gail Hagerty who spoke about the adult drug court. Although new, early results indicate it is a success.
Judge Robert W. Holte gave a report on the New York Jury Summit. The Jury Standards Committee is evaluating several proposals recently received.
Justice Sandstrom expressed appreciation and thanks to all who had helped secure the significant salary increase for judges, and particularly recognized the outstanding the work of Judge Ralph R. Erickson on the Judicial Compensation Committee. A thunderous around of applause from the members of the Judicial Conference followed. Justice Sandstrom said the success reflects what can be accomplished working together.
Justice Neumann briefed on the pay and retirement changes and thanked all for their work.
A motion was made, seconded and carried to authorize Judge Erickson to write letters of thanks on behalf of the Judicial Conference to key individuals for their support.
Judge John C. McClintock, Jr. nominated Judge John Paulson as chair elect. Judge Paulson was elected by acclimation.
Justice Sandstrom expressed his appreciation to the Conference for the honor of serving as its chair, and passed the gavel to Judge James M. Bekken who, as chair elect, is now chair.
Judge Bekken presented a plaque to Justice Sandstrom in appreciation for his work as chair. An extended round of applause followed.
For the Good of the Order
Chief Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle presented the concern of the Sheriff's Association concerning seizure of weapons in domestic violence cases. This is an emotional issue with some and has the potential for violence. He asked the judges to think carefully before ordering a seizure and to order it only in cases where merited.
Chief Justice VandeWalle also noted a resolution calling for a legislative study of the state administration of child support was passed by the legislature and if studied, it might turn to the use of administrative law judges. He said he does not have an opinion on the subject but if it comes about, it would have big implications for the judiciary.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2001
At 9:00 a.m., the Judicial Conference joined the SBAND Annual Meeting for a presentation by Dan Scott on "US Supreme Court Case Update." This session was concluded at 12:00 noon.