News

Judges and Administrators Discuss Ways to Elevate Court Services in Their Communities

June 12, 2008

HARRISBURG, June 12, 2008 — More than 200 judges and district court administrators from around the Commonwealth convened in State College last week to discuss how to build even more public trust and confidence in Pennsylvania’s Judiciary by enhancing relationships with each other and the communities they serve. The two-day annual conference, co-sponsored by the AOPC and the Pennsylvania Association of Court Management and President Judges (PJ/PACM), drew the largest number of participants in its nearly 20-year history. The theme of this year’s session was “Building Public Trust and Confidence through Executive Leadership.” Supreme Court Justices J. Michael Eakin and Max Baer and Court Administrator of Pennsylvania Zygmont A. Pines joined the 32 president judges and dozens of district court administrators in examining a variety of issues, initiatives and challenges within the court system. The conference highlighted the importance of bridging and strengthening relationships among president judges and administrators to support efficient court practices that benefit the public. Separate sessions included discussions on the development of cost-effective performance standards for courts, dealing effectively with pro se (self-represented) litigants, a presentation by Justice Baer on his new children’s initiatives and a discussion of the elements needed to implement effective public information efforts. AOPC provides oversight and training to assure continued professionalism in the hiring, performance and guidance of local court administrators and their deputies who oversee the daily functions of the courts and the citizens who use them. PACM works to provide a professional organization to facilitate communications among its member administrators, judges, legislators, and others who share an interest in the effective administration of justice. Elected at the conference were PACM’s 2008-2009 Board of Directors: President Roberta Brewster, Carbon County Past President Susan Schellenberg, Lehigh County President-Elect Patricia Norwood-Foden, Chester County Vice President Don Heagy, Westmoreland County Treasurer Patricia Ranieri, Montgomery County Secretary Nancy Clemens, Tioga County