Executive Committee
North Dakota Judicial Conference
Telephone Conference Call
September 23, 1999
Present:
Justice Dale Sandstrom, Chair
Justice Mary Maring
Judge Kirk Smith
Judge Robert Wefald
Judge James Bekken
Judge Ronald Goodman
Staff:
Keithe Nelson
Chair Sandstrom called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
Keithe Nelson outlined four education topics he has received.
1. UCIS as a management tool - Judge Schmalenberger.
2. Clerk of court changes - Chief JusticeVandeWalle.
3. IVD presentation on guidelines - Barb Siegel & Paulette Oberst.
4. BCI course on sex offenders.
Judge Wefald asked that the following be considered.
1. A brainstorming session on judge issues.
2. Domestic violence.
3. Juvenile recidivism.
4. Violence Against Women Act.
Justice Sandstrom asked for committee thoughts about the UCIS presentation. Judge Goodman and Judge Smith spoke in favor. By consensus, it was agreed to devote 45 minutes to this topic at 11:15 a.m. on November 23, 1999.
Justice Sandstrom next asked about the clerk of court changes. By consensus, it was agreed to place this topic as a business meeting agenda item.
The committee next agreed to dedicate two hours in the afternoon of November 22, 1999, for a presentation on child support guidelines and miscellaneous IVD issues.
The committee also agreed the brainstorming session should be part of the business meeting.
The committee next agreed that the last available hour on November 22, 1999, in the afternoon, should be sex offender registration. Suggested speakers could be Jonathan Byers of the Attorney General's Office, Bill Broer of BCI, or a judge.
By consensus, it was agreed to invite the referees to the entire conference because several agenda items are of interest.
Keithe Nelson was asked to outline the plans for the Judicial Retreat scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2000. The theme is judicial leadership and the facilitator is Dr. Dale Lefevor.
A general discussion followed on the appointment of a co-chair for the Judicial Compensation Committee. Chair Sandstrom will make some inquiries.
Discussion followed on the Judicial Education Commission. Justice Sandstrom presented the background. The Judicial Education Committee was originally established as a committee of the Judicial Conference. In 1993, the role of the committee was expanded with the advent of mandatory continuing judicial education and was established as a commission. The unanswered question is whether it should be returned to the Judicial Conference where it can be more responsive to the judges or left as an Supreme Court commission.
Chair Sandstrom adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m.