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ANNUAL STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR INITIATIVES
A plan to build a statewide network connecting courts throughout the state to share information with each other and law enforcement partners is moving forward, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer announced today.
During his 19th annual State of the Judiciary address, presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the Ohio Judicial Conference in Dublin, Chief Justice Moyer said that the Supreme Court of Ohio released a request for proposals this week asking technology vendors to submit detailed plans to build the network.
The request for proposals anticipates a pilot project of 15 to 20 courts of various sizes, localities and existing technology, providing a model for how a statewide system will be configured.
This secure, private network ultimately would connect all Ohio courts to an information repository and to the Internet. The network would enable the sharing of critical information, including case file information for pending and historical cases in all jurisdictions, links to other courts, identity information including addresses past and present, court orders and warrants.
“Courts will be able to share information with each other and with our partners in the justice system,” Chief Justice Moyer told the 300 judges gathered for the conference luncheon. “Imagine a juvenile judge in Brown County who is hearing the case of a juvenile who appeared in the juvenile court in Lucas County. Access to those records will enable the Brown County juvenile judge to craft an appropriate rehabilitation program.”
Appropriate to the Ohio Judicial Conference's annual meeting theme, “Meeting the Pro Se Challenge,” Chief Justice Moyer said that every docket in the state is experiencing a growing number of cases filed by parties who cannot afford an attorney or chose not to use one. Litigants in complicated matters, such as divorce and child custody, are not seeking the advice of counsel, he said.
“Too many of our citizens who should have legal representation go without it,” Chief Justice Moyer said. “The Supreme Court is not immune. Earlier this year the Court heard an argument presented by a pro se litigant. Across the state judges, court clerks, and administrative staff navigate the boundary between providing assistance and offering legal advice on a daily basis.”
On Monday, Sept. 18, the Supreme Court will hold a special conference at which it will consider the 54 recommendations of the Task Force on Pro Se and Indigent Litigants and the recommendations of the Council of Delegates of the Ohio State Bar Association regarding responsibility of lawyers to provide pro bono services.
Chief Justice Moyer also addressed the growing array of court costs and filing fees that affect all litigants, noting that the Ohio House this week approved legislation that he requested creating a Joint Committee to Study Court Costs and Filing Fees.
“We need to establish an orderly, coordinated process for determining court costs so that they are set at a level that provides citizens reasonable access to the courts,” he said. “With few exceptions, they should be assessed for the operation and maintenance of the courts.”
Chief Justice Moyer discussed ways in which Ohio courts are better addressing issues of science and technology. A subcommittee of the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence soon will form to assess the feasibility of adopting a commercial litigation docket to better manage cases with new and unique issues produced by emerging technology and new business models, he said. The Chief Justice also reported that the first class of Ohio judges will be designated next month as fellows of the Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Center as they complete two years of intensive training into technology, bio-technology and the life sciences.
The Chief Justice's remarks also included a timely statement about heroism and bravery as he shared the story of Supreme Court of Ohio security officer Jason Thomas, whose role in rescuing two New York Port Authority officers on Sept. 11, 2001, only recently came to light. The Court recognized Thomas's bravery in a ceremony at the Ohio Judicial Center last month that also remembered the victims of the terrorist attacks.
“He has told me that he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support since he came forward,” Chief Justice Moyer said of Thomas. “None of us will be in the presence of a person who has acted with more courage and exudes more humility.”
The Ohio Judicial Conference is an organization through which Ohio judges work together to improve the administration of justice. The annual meeting brings together judges from across the state for judicial education and discussions about issues of common concern.
The text of Chief Justice Moyer's speech is available online at: www.supremecourtofohio.gov/Communications_Office/speeches
Video is available at: www.supremecourtofohio.gov/videostream or www.ohiochannel.org
For a high resolution, publication-quality photo of Chief Justice Moyer, please visit: www.supremecourtofohio.gov/Communications_Office/Press_Releases/2005/moyer_headshot.zip
Contact: Andrea M. Strle or Dennis Whalen at 614.387.9250.