Following roll call, Chair John T. Paulson introduced Daniel Crothers, the newly-appointed Supreme Court Justice.
It was moved by Judge Robert Wefald, seconded by Justice Dale Sandstrom, that the minutes of the November 22-23, 2004, meeting be approved as distributed. Motion carried.
Jim Ganje, Staff Attorney for the State Court Administrator's Office, summarized legislation enacted by the 2005 Legislative Assembly affecting the judicial system.
Business Meeting
Judge Donovan Foughty gave a report on the family alliance case. Following his report, Chief Justice VandeWalle thanked Judge Foughty for his service on the Judicial Conduct Commission.
Chair Paulson called for nominations of chair-elect for the Conference. Judge Robert Wefald nominated Judge Doug Herman as chair-elected. Judge Doug Mattson seconded the nomination. Judge Herman was elected by acclamation.
For the Good of the Order
Judge Wefald reported on the bids received from Westlaw and Lexis for the 05-07 biennium. He stated the Lexis bid was $2,058 per month and Westlaw was $2,350 per month for the first year and $2,421 for the second year. West would provide North Dakota cases and statutes on CD Rom and he felt it would be easier to use than Lexis.
Chair Paulson expressed his thanks to the Conference for the opportunity to serve as chair and extended a special thank you to Judicial Compensation Committee Chairs, Judge Douglas R. Herman, Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner, and Judge Douglas Mattson, for their work on the committee. He also extended a thank you to Ted Gladden for his service to the Judicial Conference as Executive Secretary and to Renee Barnaby for her dedication and good work.
Judge Paulson passed the gavel to Justice Mary Muehlen Maring, the new chair of the North Dakota Judicial Conference for the next two years.
Justice Maring presented Judge Paulson with a plaque commending his service as chair of the Judicial Conference.
There being no further business before the Judicial Conference, it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.