Former Supreme CourtJustice SSaannddrraa SScchhuullttzzNNeewwmmaann, who retired at theend of December 2006, waspresented with a portrait ofthe Supreme Court’s cham-bers in Philadelphia to com-memorate her years ofinvolvement with the Phila-delphia courts. The presen-tation before judges andstaff was made by President

Judge CC.. DDaarrnneellll JJoonneess IIII during a First Judicial District (FJD) civil branch gathering.Justice Newman, who was the Supreme Court’s liaison to the FJD and the first womanelected to the state’s highest court, plans to remain active with the Philadelphia CityHall security initiative and the effort to build a new family court facility. She now worksat the Philadelphia-based Cozen O’Connor law firm where she heads the appellatepractice group and plans to start a dispute resolution unit.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has created anew Office of Children and Families in the Courts(OCFC) within the AOPC to work with county familycourts and child welfare officials to speed the placementinto permanent homes of thousands of abused and neg-lected children. More than 20,000 such childrenthroughout the state now live in foster care and othertemporary residential settings.

Chief Justice of Pennsylvania RRaallpphh JJ.. CCaappppyy said thegoal of reuniting these children with their parents, plac-ing them for adoption or placing them in other perma-nent homes, is part of a broad commitment theSupreme Court has undertaken to make family courtsmore responsive to the needs of children and families.

“It is of utmost concern to me and to my colleagueson the Supreme Court to see that our family courts do

everything possible to guide people through the troublesthat have brought them into our legal system, and to setthem on course toward better and more stable lives,”Cappy said. “In each situation, the courts must act wise-ly and well. Nothing is more important than to restorestability to troubled families.”

The principle goal of the OCFC is to minimize thelength of time that dependent children, who have beenremoved from their parents under court order because ofabuse or neglect, must spend in foster care or in othertemporary living situations. They are called “depend-ent” children because they literally are dependent on thecourts and the child welfare system for their protection.

Typically, a dependent child spends at least a year—and often much longer—in foster care or in a grouphome or a residential institution. It is widely agreed

Winter 2007

NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR OOFF TTHHEE AADDMMIINNIISSTTRRAATTIIVVEE OOFFFFIICCEE OOFF PPEENNNNSSYYLLVVAANNIIAA CCOOUURRTTSS

New Office of Children and Families in the CourtsCreated by Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

bbyy LL.. SSttuuaarrtt DDiittzzeenn

Justice Newman’s Service to PhiladelphiaCourts Commemorated

(OCFC continued on page 12)

bbyy AArrtt HHeeiinnzz

2 Transitions

2 Calendar

3 Thanks...

4 Pa. a National Leaderin Judicial Automation

5 New Public AccessPolicy

6 Judges/JournalistsWorkshop

7 Judge Leadbetter

7 Allegheny County Pre-Trial Services Agency

8 Honors & Dispatches

10 E-mails to Avoid at Work

10 Juror Video

11 Team Tackles ProposedLaws of Interest

14 In the News

15 AOPC, Third U. S.Circuit Court to ShareInfo, Sponsor Conference

16 Philadelphia Pro BonoAwards

Inside

Transitions Gina L. Earle, editor Ext. 4095

Calendar Rhonda Hocker, editor Ext. 2026

2

NNeeww ttoo tthhee JJuuddiicciiaall BBrraanncchh

CCoouunnttiieessCChheerryyll LLeesslliiee - Montgomery - deputy court administrator,family courtJJaanniiccee MMeeaaddoowwss - Blair - deputy court administratorDDaanniieell JJ.. NNeellssoonn - Clearfield - district court administratorGGaaiill AA.. SSllootttteerrbbaacckk - Columbia/Montour - assistant to thecourt administrator

AAOOPPCCJJeeffffrreeyy BBeeaannee - Judicial Automation - database analystSSaammeeddyy CChhoouunn - Judicial Automation - LAN technicianAAnntthhoonnyy CCiibbeelllliiss - Judicial Automation - LAN technicianAAnnggeellaa CCoolleemmaann - Judicial Automation - LAN techni-cianTTeerrrryy CCrroouutthhaammeell - Judicial Automation - systems train-erSStteevveenn DDoonnaattuuccccii - Judicial Automation - communica-tions network managerJJaassoonn FFoollllwweeiilleerr - Judicial Automation - database ana-lystLLiinnddaa GGaarriissttoo - Judicial Automation - administrativeassistantMMaarryy GGiilllleettttee - Finance - assistant directorHHeeiiddii HHaaaaffkkee - Judicial Automation - managementanalystAAnnddrreeaa HHooffffmmaann JJeelliinn - Judicial Programs - administra-tor, Office of Children and Families in the CourtsSShhaannnnoonn MMaauusstteelllleerr - Judicial Automation - systemstrainer BBrriiaann QQuuiinnnn - Judicial Automation - IT specialist

WWiilllliiaamm RRaahhnn - Judicial Automation - help desk opera-torJJaassoonn RRuussssoo - Judicial Automation - IT specialistCChhrriissttiinnee SSaanncchheezz - Judicial Automation - systems train-erAAnnddrreeww SSiimmppssoonn - Judicial Automation - systems trainerDDaanniieell SSkkootteekk - Judicial Automation - managementanalystMMaarrccii SSmmiitthh - Judicial Education - administrative assis-tantCChhrriissttiinnee WWiillbbeerrnn - Finance - administrative assistant

OOtthheerr JJoobb CChhaannggeess

AAppppeellllaattee CCoouurrttss//CCoommmmiitttteeeessMMiicchhaaeell FF.. KKrriimmmmeell,, EEssqq.. - Minor Court Rules Committee -apptd. chief clerk of Commonwealth Court

CCoouunnttiieessAAllaann MM.. BBllaacckk - Lehigh - elected president judgeHHaarrrryy JJ.. BBrraaddlleeyy - Delaware - apptd. sr. Common PleasCourt judgeMMaarrkk AA.. CCiiaavvaarreellllaa JJrr.. - Luzerne - elected president judgeRRoobbeerrtt JJ.. CCoonnwwaayy - Wayne - apptd. sr. Common PleasCourt judgeHHoorraaccee ZZ.. DDaavviiss - Delaware - apptd. sr. magisterial districtjudgeMMiicchhaaeell AA.. GGeeoorrggeelliiss - Lancaster - apptd. sr. CommonPleas Court judgeRRiicchhaarrdd JJ.. HHooddggssoonn - Montgomery - elected presidentjudgeAAnntthhoonnyy JJ.. MMaannggaann - Monroe - apptd. sr. magisterial dis-trict judge

2/19 Presidents’ Day2/22-2/25 Trial Judges Mid-Annual

Conference (Pgh.)2/27-3/1 Superior Court Session

(Pgh.)3/5-3/9 Supreme Court Session

(Pgh.)Commonwealth CourtSession (Phila.)

3/6-3/8 Superior Court Session (Phila.)

3/13-3/15 Superior Court Session (Scranton, Pgh.)

3/27-3/29 Superior Court Session (Phila.)

4/6 Good Friday4/9-4/13 Commonwealth Court

Session (Hbg.)4/10-4/12 Superior Court Session

(Phila., Pgh.)4/16-4/20 Supreme Court Session

(Phila.)4/24-4/26 Superior Court Session

(Pgh.)5/1 Deadline for Financial

Interest Statements5/1-5/3 Superior Court Session

(Phila., Centre Cty.)5/7-5/11 Commonwealth Court

Session (Pgh.)

5/14-5/18 Supreme Court Session (Hbg.)

5/22-5/24 Superior Court Session (Phila., Hbg., Pgh.)

5/28 Memorial Day6/5-6/7 Superior Court Session

(Phila.)6/6 Supreme Court

Admin. Session (Pgh.)6/11-6/15 Commonwealth Court

Session (Phila.)6/12-6/14 Superior Court Session

(Pgh.)6/26-6/28 Superior Court Session

(Phila., Pgh.)

(Transitions continued on page 9)

3

THANKS...

Gratitude… There is a proverb that says "Of all thevirtues, gratitude has the shortest memory." As with mostproverbs, such truths are confirmed by experience.

I am oftentimes complimented by others on the spe-cial work or achievements of our judicial system. Myresponse is to always deflect the personal kindness andfocus on the deserving recipient—the members of oursupport team who make our good work possible.

Thus, before we become too engrossed in all of thechallenges and problems of 2007, memory chooses tolook back to the special achievements of 2006 duringwhich our staff tackled some dif-ficult multi-year projects.

The area of information tech-nology and public access is aparticular source of pride. Afteralmost three years of incredibleeffort and collaboration, our information technologyteam successfully completed the Common Pleas CaseManagement System (CPCMS), linking the criminal trialcourts of our 60 judicial districts. This is truly a remark-able achievement that places our judicial system onceagain in the forefront nationally. With the cooperationof many stakeholders, particularly the counties’ clerks ofcourts, the judicial system has created another super-highway for information. The beneficiaries are both themore “Unified Judicial System” and our citizens, whocan now access public information on the Web—any-time and anywhere.

Integral to the technological achievement of CPCMShas been the recent adoption of our Electronic CaseRecords Public Access Policy. For the past several years,staff has diligently worked on crafting a policy that pro-motes broad public access while balancing the vitalinterests of privacy and personal security in a cyber worldof immense complexity and potential danger. This workhas been very difficult. After reviewing the public accesspolicies of other states and providing multiple opportuni-ties for public input, we came up with a policy that issound and exemplary. Our Supreme Court agreed andadopted our recommendations.

Another area of notable achievement, in whichPennsylvania is a leader, has been court security. In2006 the AOPC sought and received funding from theGeneral Assembly for security enhancements for ourCommon Pleas (trial) Courts. The enhancementsinclude wireless duress alarms, magnetometers, metaldetectors/x-ray inspection machines and employee iden-tification badges/cards. In addition, the AOPC’s Office

of Judicial Security led regional training sessions for localcourt security committees on the topic of emergencyplanning. Last year we also took our security incidentreporting system (“PAJIRS,” currently in use at our 548magisterial district judge offices) to the Common PleasCourts for test piloting. Pennsylvania’s electronic report-ing of security incidents is one of the most sophisticatedand comprehensive systems in the country and will serveas a model for other states.

On a related front, Pennsylvania has been in thevanguard nationally in pandemic planning. In 2006, the

AOPC participated in a specialsession at the PennsylvaniaConference of State Trial Judgeson the topic of pandemic fluplanning, using the 1918 flupandemic, Pennsylvania’s Three

Mile Island crisis of 1979 and the 2002-03 SARS out-break in Canada as sobering backdrops. Panelistsincluded former Governor Richard Thornburgh andOntario Provincial Court Justice Ian Cowan, who was onthe frontline of the outbreak in Canada.

During 2006 a task force of judges, staff and experts(from academia and government) collaborated on apublic health bench book, which will be published inearly 2007. Only a handful of states have systematical-ly addressed the challenging and somewhat arcane areaof public health law. This work will be followed up laterin the year with the development of a continuity of oper-ations plan (COOP) template for general use by ourpresident judges and district court administrators. Thattask force is using the exemplary work of the NationalCenter for State Courts as its foundation.

For all of this impressive work in promoting goodgovernment, we are immensely grateful. No particularindividual will be singled out because these achieve-ments (and many others not mentioned) would not havebeen possible were it not for the dedication and hardwork of the many staff members who participated inthese projects. Thus, through the vehicle of this mar-velous and always informative newsletter, the gratitudecan be made more public.

Memory may be fleeting, but your good work lives onto benefit many.

[Zygmont A. Pines, Esq., is Court Administrator ofPennsylvania.]

bbyy ZZiigg PPiinneess

Memory may be fleeting,but your good work lives on

to benefit many.

4

Pennsylvania: A National Leader in Judicial AutomationCPCMS Completes Statewide Automation of All Criminal Courts

bbyy SStteevvee SScchheellllMission accomplished! It was six years in the mak-

ing, beginning in mid-2000 with the gathering of highlevel functional project requirements, followed by twoyears of detailed planning, design and testing in closeconsultation with court staff in 22 counties. By 2003, itwas ready to be rolled out on a county-by-county imple-mentation plan. Finally, in late 2006, it was installed inPhiladelphia, the state’s largest judicial district. Theachievement—the completion of the Common PleasCase Management System (CPCMS)—has madePennsylvania one of only a handful of states in the coun-try to automate all its criminal courts on a statewidecomputer system.

“CPCMS is a critical link to improving overall courtefficiency,” said Chief Justice of Pennsylvania RRaallpphh JJ..CCaappppyy. “The system serves as a central data ware-house, enabling, for the first time, personnel in 67Common Pleas Courts to electronically share case infor-mation and associated data, not only between countycourts, but also with the state’s 548 magisterial districtcourts and appellate courts.” In addition, by linking withPennsylvania’s Criminal Justice Network (JNET)—anintegrated public safety network developed by the exec-utive branch—CPCMS is able to expeditiously exchangecritical court information with local, other-state and fed-eral authorities, and executive branch agencies such asthe Pennsylvania State Police, Department ofTransportation, Department of Corrections and Board ofProbation and Parole.

The ability to quickly access the most current courtinformation throughout the state—information includingprior convictions, bail history, pending charges and out-standing warrants—is invaluable to judges, law enforce-ment officers and other criminal justice agencies.

The state’s automation efforts have reduced theneed to transfer some court data via paper files, thuseliminating delays and the chance that the data wouldget lost and possibly never be forwarded to the appropri-ate law enforcement authorities. Moreover, statewideautomation provides one consistent format for courtdata, making it easier to transfer and share quickly. Forexample, Director of Judicial Automation AAmmyy CCeerraassooexplained, when a court official logs a warrant onCPCMS in Erie, it can be viewed immediately by courtofficials in every other county in the state. Within min-utes, local, other states’ and federal law enforcementofficials can be alerted to the Erie warrant by accessing

the AOPC’s warrant database made available throughJNET.

It is this ability to share court data that has earnedCPCMS recognition from Pennsylvania’s criminal justiceand law enforcement officials.

PPhhiill TToommaassssiinnii, executive director of JNET, said,“The implementation of the Common Pleas CaseManagement System in all 67 counties of theCommonwealth provides tremendous value to criminal

justice and public safety officials throughout theCommonwealth. Through a completely integrated judi-cial system, authorized JNET users now have access toreliable and accurate court information through one sys-tem, which has dramatically increased investigators’ pro-ductivity as well as improved officer safety.”

Col. JJeeffffrreeyy BB.. MMiilllleerr, Commissioner of thePennsylvania State Police, said, “Judicial automation atthe state level has vastly improved our ability to obtainconsistent, accurate and detailed court data on a timely

(CPCMS continued on page 13)

Administrative Specialist Andrea Anne Ferlaino,Deputy Court Administrator David D. Wasson andCourt Administrative Officer John A. Gallagher shownwith the first check printed using CPCMS in the FirstJudicial District.

AOPC Connected ispublished periodically.

Managing EditorArt Heinz

ContributorsGina L. EarleArt HeinzRhonda HockerSteve Schell

Graphic DesignGina L. Earle

EditorJim Koval

Executive EditorsTom DarrAndrea B. Tuominen

For more informationabout Pennsylvania’scourts, please visitwww.courts.state.pa.usor call Rhonda Hockerat (717) 795-2026.

Supreme Court ofPennsylvania

Ralph J. CappyChief Justice

Ronald D. CastilleJustice

Thomas G. SaylorJustice

J. Michael EakinJustice

Max BaerJustice

Cynthia A. BaldwinJustice

Zygmont A. PinesCourt Administratorof Pennsylvania

The Unified Judicial System rang inthe new year with a new public accesspolicy governing the availability of elec-tronic case record data in the judiciary’sautomated case management systems.Adopted by the Supreme Court, the“Electronic Case Records Public AccessPolicy of the Unified Judicial System ofPennsylvania” underscores the judicia-ry’s commitment to open and accessiblecourts as well as data integrity in thisinformation age.

Effective January 1, 2007, the policyis the product of several years of study byan AOPC committee. The original policyproposal was published for public com-ment in September 2005. Six monthslater the AOPC sought additional inputvia a public hearing, over which ChiefJustice Emeritus SStteepphheenn AA.. ZZaappppaallaapresided.

As a result of the public commentary,the proposed policy was revised andsub-mitted to the Supreme Court for its con-sideration. The Court approved all ofthe revisions, the most significant being:

• expanding the provisions relatedto correction of data errors(Section 6.00) by specifying pro-cedures and forms that an indi-vidual may use to request that acourt or office correct an allegederror in an electronic caserecord; and

• removing the restriction onaccessing full date of birth(Section 3.00) in order to ensurethat the “right” party is matchedwith the “right” case.

The scope of the policy covers allelectronic case records, defined as infor-mation or data created, collected,received, produced or maintained in oneof the UJS’ three case management sys-tems—the Pennsylvania Appellate CourtCase Management System, the CommonPleas Case Management System and theMagisterial District Judge System.

The policy does not apply to the offi-cial case files—the paper files main-tained in the court (or filing office) withjurisdiction over the matter; therefore,the practice of making court recordsopen for inspection and copying at courtoffices remains in place, unless recordsare sealed by a court or restricted pur-suant to law.

Generally, electronic case recordinformation is available via the publicWeb docket sheets located at http://ujs-portal.pacourts.us, through public termi-nals located at designated courthouselocations and through bulk record distri-bution in compliance with Section 3.10of the policy.

The policy addresses what and howelectronic case record information will beavailable to the public. Specific electron-ic case record information is restrictedfrom access. For instance, social securi-ty numbers, street addresses, victim/wit-ness/juror information and financialaccount numbers will not be released topublic requestors.

The policy standardizes how requestsfor access are to be handled by establish-ing timeframes for responding to writtenrequests for electronic case records andrequirements for adopting local feeschedules.

Recognizing that issues may arise asthe technological and legal landscapechanges, the AOPC is committed tomonitoring and reviewing matters con-cerning public access, privacy and secu-rity to ensure that the appropriate bal-ance is reached among these importantprinciples.

The complete explanatory report tothe policy, public access forms and otherrelated information can be found at www.courts.state.pa.us/index/PublicAccessPolicy/default.asp.

[Andrea Tuominen is Assistant CourtAdministrator of Pennsylvania.]

New Public Access Policy Goes into Effectbbyy AAnnddrreeaa BB.. TTuuoommiinneenn

6

A Day When Judges and Journalists Traded Placesbbyy LL.. SSttuuaarrtt DDiittzzeenn

Picture this: 20 Pennsylvania judges and 20 journal-ists thrown together in a big room for a day and told toreverse roles and see the world from the other guy’spoint of view.

Suddenly, everyone is wearing a different hat. Youhave a reporter sitting as a judge, banging a gavel andordering silence as he “passes sentence” in a mockabuse case. You have a Common Pleas Court presidentjudge in the role of a TV reporter doing a stand-upreport on the sentencing and telling “viewers” to call thestation to register their views on whether the sentencewas too harsh or too light.

This was a first for everyone.

The AOPC and the Pennsylvania NewspaperAssociation collaborated in presenting this prototypeworkshop for judges and journalists at the HersheyLodge on Dec. 14.

It started out a little awkwardly. No one knew whatto expect. As the day progressed, the participants,including president judges of Superior, Commonwealthand several Common Pleas courts, played their assignedroles in good spirits and with good humor. The journal-ists did the same. There were laughs on both sides. Andthe consensus at the end of the day-long session wasthat the workshop was fruitful—and fun—for partici-pants on both sides.

After attending, HHaannkk GGrreezzllaakk, editor-in-chief of theLegal Intelligencer and a frequent critic of the SupremeCourt, wrote a column that carried this headline:“Finding Common Ground: Meeting Between Judges,Journalists Was Positive Start to Better Relations.”

The goal of the workshop, which was held at theurging of Chief Justice RRaallpphh JJ.. CCaappppyy, was to do exact-ly what Grezlak’s headline suggested—to foster a betterunderstanding between judges and journalists whosejobs often intersect, but who rarely talk to each other.

“A separation between the two is appropriate, but alack of understanding benefits no one,” said the chief,who convened the session and remained all day as anobserver. “The guardians of freedom are the free pressand the independent courts, so it is worth getting toknow each other.”

In addition to role-reversals, participants were showna startling film of an actual scene in which a TV journal-ist in another state confronted a judge in a courthousehallway and so angered the judge with questions abouta case that the judge hurled a tray of food at thereporter. Not surprisingly, the incident was cited as anexample of bad form on the part of both the journalistand the judge. No one in the group at Hershey dis-agreed with that point.

The workshop was funded by the Donald W.Reynolds National Center for Courts and Media, which isaffiliated with the National Judicial College in Reno,Nev., and has conducted similar judges/journalistsevents around the country.

What happens next? Will there be more sessions?The answer is, tentatively, yes. Funding for future pro-grams through the Reynolds Center will not be available,but Deputy Court Administrator TToomm DDaarrrr has begun adialog with TTeerrii HHeennnniinngg, counsel for the PennsylvaniaNewspaper Association, about “future endeavors.”

Journalists and judges switched roles in an exerciseto help them better understand each other’s jobs.

Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy addressed members ofthe bench and media at Pennsylvania’s first-everjudges/journalists workshop.

7

Judge Leadbetter Is New President Judge ofCommonwealth Court

The Hon. BBoonnnniiee BBrriiggaanncceeLLeeaaddbbeetttteerr has been elected as thenew president judge of Commonwealth

Court. She succeeds outgoing Presi-dent Judge JJaammeess GGaarrddnneerr CCoolliinnss,who had held the post for the previ-ous five years.

As president judge, JudgeLeadbetter will oversee the adminis-tration of the court, including budg-et, scheduling, special sessions, edu-cation and bench-bar interaction.

She said in published reportsthat she was honored by her col-leagues’ confidence in her ability tooversee the court’s administrativefunctions.

Judge Leadbetter was appointedto Commonwealth Court in May1996 and elected in 1997. Twoyears later, she was appointed to theCourt of Judicial Discipline for a four-

year term. Before joining the court,she was an assistant district attorneyfor Philadelphia County (1971-1976) and an assistant U.S. attorneyfor the Eastern District ofPennsylvania (1976-1981). She wasa practicing attorney from 1981 untilher appointment to the bench.

She graduated in 1968 fromRice University and in 1971 from theUniversity of Pittsburgh School ofLaw, where she served as managingeditor of the Law Review. She andher husband, Gary, a MontgomeryCounty attorney, have two daughtersand three grandchildren.

Judge Leadbetter is the firstwoman to hold the position of presi-dent judge in Commonwealth Court.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas has cre-ated a Pretrial Services Agency to improve the court’sability to monitor and supervise defendants released onbail, and coordinate pretrial services among various pro-grams. This comprehensive agency brings together avariety of court services, including bail investigations,pretrial release and supervision, the Alcohol HighwaySafety Program, first-time offenders supervision programand competency determination services.

Among the many objectives of the agency are:

• improving the coordination of drug, alcohol andmental health services for defendants at the pre-trial stage;

• reducing the number of defendants who fail toappear for required court events;

• providing judicial officers viable pretrial releaseoptions that assure compliance with release con-ditions as well as the safety of our community.

“The coordination of these services under a singlemanagement structure enhances our ability to monitorindividuals released on bail and will allow for early detec-tion and intervention of defendants in need of drug,

alcohol and mental health services,” President JudgeJJoosseepphh MM.. JJaammeess noted. “In doing so, the safety of ourcommunities will be improved.”

The new agency beganformal operations in Janu-ary 2007 and is headed byTThhoommaass MMccCCaaffffrreeyy, formerdirector of the court’sAlcohol Highway SafetyProgram.

“Mr. McCaffrey brings awealth of experience and abroad knowledge andunderstanding of supervi-sion practices to the posi-

tion,” said the Hon. DDoonnnnaa JJoo MMccDDaanniieell, administrativejudge of the criminal division. “We are confident he can effec-tively coordinate the array of services required of this newagency and meet the objectives established by thiscourt.”

[Ray Billotte is Allegheny County district court adminis-trator.]

Allegheny County Court Creates New Pretrial ServicesAgency

bbyy RRaayy BBiilllloottttee

Tom McCaffrey

8

Honors & DispatchesPhiladelphia Municipal CourtPresident Judge LLoouuiiss JJ.. PPrree--sseennzzaa was awarded the 2006Justice William J. Brennan Jr.Distinguished Jurist Award bythe Philadelphia Bar Associ-ation. The annual award goesto a judge who had a positiveimpact on the quality of justicein Philadelphia. Judge Presenzawas recognized for his work inoverseeing and founding Phila-delphia’s drug treatment court, which has a recidivismrate that is significantly lower than the national average.

***

Superior Court Judge SSeeaammuuss PP.. MMccCCaaffffeerryy was thekeynote speaker at the Lackawanna Bar Association’sannual bench-bar conference at the Scranton Hiltonand Conference Center. He also participated in a judgesforum with the Lackawanna County bench and courtadministrator.

***

The Jefferson County Bar Association honored retiredSenior Judge EEddwwiinn LL.. SSnnyyddeerr by establishing a scholar-ship fund in his name. Judge Snyder had been a juristfor 33 years—including 20 of those years as presidentjudge. County Bar Association President Greg Kruk saidJudge Snyder “was always dedicated to the law, and heexpected us as attorneys practicing in front of him toknow the law and the facts and to present them in astraightforward manner.”

***

Supreme Court Justice CCyynntthhiiaa AA.. BBaallddwwiinn was keynotespeaker at two recent events for members of the benchand bar. Justice Baldwin addressed members of thePennsylvania Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania BarAssociation and the Pennsylvania Association of BarExaminers during a session in Philadelphia whose themewas “Judicial Independence vs. Judicial Intimidation.”Her remarks addressed the judiciary’s role in our checks-and-balances system of government. She also spoke tomembers of the bar association’s litigation section dur-ing a conference at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburghthat addressed common mistakes attorneys make at atrial that could affect the outcome of a case in the appel-late courts.

Additionally, JJuussttiiccee BBaallddwwiinn was presented with an hon-orary degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causafrom Carlow University. Justice Baldwin received thedegree at the university’s winter commencement cere-mony where she was the keynote speaker

***

GGeerraalldd CC.. MMoonntteellllaa,, EEssqq..,court administrator of Dela-ware County’s Court ofCommon Pleas, received anEveryday Leader Awardfrom the Pennsylvania BarAssociation.

“Gerry works, not for him-self, but for the good of thecommunity and the legalprofession,” PBA PresidentKKeennnneetthh JJ.. HHoorroohhoo JJrr.. saidin a release announcing theaward. “Gerry founded the Juror Donation Program, avoluntary program that allows jurors to donate theircompensation to worthwhile causes.” Organizationsthat have benefited from the program include:Operation Warm (assists the homeless); the DomesticAbuse Project of Delaware County, Inc.; the HeroScholarship Program; and Delaware County Childrenand Youth Services. The award was presented toMontella during a PBA luncheon in Media, DelawareCounty.

***

Lehigh County JudgeCCaarrooll KK.. MMccGGiinnlleeyy washonored by theJuvenile Court JudgesCommission and thePennsylvania Councilof Chief JuvenileProbation Officers forher leadership andcommitment to help-ing youth offendersturn their lives around.The Leadership Awardcame during the 2006

Pennsylvania Conference on Juvenile Justice inHarrisburg. Presenting the award was Berks CountyPresident Judge AArrtthhuurr EE.. GGrriimm, who chairs the commis-sion.

Judges McGinley and Grim

(Honors continued on page 12)

9

MMiicchhaaeell JJ.. PPeerreezzoouuss - Lancaster - apptd. sr. CommonPleas Court judgeFFoorrttuunnaattoo NN.. PPeerrrrii SSrr.. - Philadelphia Traffic Court - apptd.sr. judgeEEddwwaarrdd JJ.. ZZeettuusskkyy JJrr.. - Delaware - elected president judge

DDeeaatthhss

LLiinnddaa FF.. AAnnddeerrssoonn -- Philadelphia Municipal Court judgeDDoonnaalldd CC.. BBrroowwnn - Chester - former (sr.) district justiceJJoohhnn MM.. KKuurrttzz JJrr.. - Chester - former Common Pleas CourtjudgeWWaalltteerr AA.. MMaarrkk - Washington - former (sr.) magisterial dis-trict judgeDDaavviidd WWaarrdd MMuurrpphhyy - Allegheny - former Common PleasCourt judgeMMiicchhaaeell SS.. PPoolliizzzzii - Lackawanna - former (sr.) district jus-ticePPaattrriicciiaa AA.. RRoobbiinnssoonn - Wyoming - former magisterial dis-trict judgeWWiilllliiaamm DD.. YYoohhnn - Union - former district justice

RReettiirreemmeennttss

CCoouunnttiieessEEddwwaarrdd GG.. BBiieesstteerr JJrr.. - Bucks - sr. Common Pleas CourtjudgeLLaawwrreennccee BBllaaiirr - Fayette - sr. magisterial district judgeAAlleexx BBoonnaavviittaaccoollaa - Philadelphia - sr. Common PleasCourt judgeHHaarrrryy JJ.. BBrraaddlleeyy - Delaware - Common Pleas CourtjudgeEEmmaannuueell AA.. CCaassssiimmaattiiss - York - sr. Common Pleas CourtjudgeAAllffrreedd BB.. CCoolleemmaann - Cambria - sr. magisterial districtjudgeFFrraannkk CCoommuunnaallee IIIIII - Allegheny - sr. magisterial districtjudgeHHoorraaccee ZZ.. DDaavviiss - Delaware - magisterial district judgeWWiilllliiaamm AA.. KKiinngg JJrr.. - Philadelphia Municipal Court - sr.judgeJJoohhnn PP.. LLaavveellllee - Carbon - sr. Common Pleas CourtjudgeGGiillffeerrtt MM.. MMiihhaalliicchh - Westmoreland - sr. Common PleasCourt judgeMMiicchhaaeell JJ.. PPeerreezzoouuss - Lancaster - Common Pleas CourtjudgeFFoorrttuunnaattoo NN.. PPeerrrrii SSrr.. - Philadelphia Traffic Court judgeOOssccaarr FF.. SSppiicceerr - Adams - sr. Common Pleas CourtjudgeWWiilllliiaamm WW.. VVooggeell - Montgomery - sr. Common PleasCourt judge

RRoobbeerrtt LL.. WWoollffee - Warren/Forest - sr. Common PleasCourt judge

RReessiiggnnaattiioonnss

AAppppeellllaattee CCoouurrttssJJoosseepphh AA.. DDeell SSoollee - Superior Court judgeSSaannddrraa SScchhuullttzz NNeewwmmaann - Supreme Court justice

AAOOPPCCMMaannoojjaa EErraannkkii - Judicial Automation - IT specialistBBrriiaann HHaarrttmmaannnn- Judicial Automation - database tech-nicianBBrraadd KKrraammeerr - Judicial Automation - systems trainerMMiicchhaaeell MMaarrsshhaallll - Judicial Automation - IT specialistRRiicchhaarrdd SScchhiilllleerr - Judicial Automation - IT specialistMMaarryy AAnnnn YYaannaakk - Administrative Services - receptionist

CCoouunnttiieessRRoobbeerrtt JJ.. CCoonnwwaayy - Wayne - president judgeCCllaarreennccee WW.. DDeennnniiss - Monroe - sr. magisterial districtjudgeMMiicchhaaeell AA.. GGeeoorrggeelliiss - Lancaster - Common PleasCourt judgeEErrnneesstt LL.. MMaarrrraacccciinnii - Allegheny - magisterial districtjudgePPaattrriicciiaa AA.. RRoobbiinnssoonn - Wyoming - magisterial districtjudgeDDaavviidd NN.. SSaavviitttt - Philadelphia - sr. Common PleasCourt judgeCCaarrooll AA.. SSttoouuddtt - Berks - sr. magisterial district judgeLLaawwrreennccee EE.. WWoooodd - Chester - sr. Common Pleas Courtjudge

AAppppooiinnttmmeennttss

SSuupprreemmee CCoouurrtt CCoommmmiitttteeeessPPhhyylllliiss WW.. BBeecckk - former Superior Court (sr.) judge -apptd. to Continuing Legal Education BoardMMaarrkk AA.. BBrruunnoo - Chester County magisterial districtjudge - apptd. to Minor Court Rules CommitteeSSaammuueell TTyyrroonnee CCooooppeerr IIIIII,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. toContinuing Legal Education BoardHHuubbeerrtt XX.. GGiillrrooyy,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to PennsylvaniaInterest on Lawyers Trust Account BoardSSttaannlleeyy WW.. GGrreeeennffiieelldd,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to CriminalProcedural Rules CommitteeRRoobbeerrtt CC.. HHeeiimm,, EEssqq.. - designated chair of ContinuingLegal Education BoardCChhaarrlloottttee SS.. JJeeffffeerriieess,, EEssqq.. - apptd. to DisciplinaryBoardDD.. PPeetteerr JJoohhnnssoonn,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to CriminalProcedural Rules Committee, redesignated vice chair

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(Transitions continued on page 15)

10

Three Types of E-Mail to Avoid Opening at Work

E-mail is a fun and fast way to communicate withdocuments, video and pictures. And while many believee-mail is secure, your messages really are visible to any-one with the proper knowledge and access. This is par-ticularly true if you use e-mail accounts like Hotmail,GMail, Yahoo and AOL.

In addition to being not-so-private, e-mail can trans-mit malicious software—such as viruses—that deletedata and interfere with your computer. Some allow oth-ers to control your computer remotely, compromisingconfidential information and providing a launching pointfor more damage to your network.

Here are three types to avoid:

1. CChhaaiinn lleetttteerrss generally involve getting money orsome good fortune by sending out the letters andbad luck if you do not. They can clog networksand interfere with the receiving of legitimatemessages.

2. HHooaaxxeess,, rruummoorrss aanndd uurrbbaann lleeggeennddss are e-mailmessages that contain information that is usual-ly untrue.

3. PPhhiisshhiinngg is an online scam used to commit iden-tity theft. A fraudulent, but official-looking e-mail

is sent to a user in an attempt to con that userinto divulging personal and/or private informa-tion, which is then used for identity theft.Phishing got its name from the idea that bait iscast out among many fish, some of which actu-ally bite, become hooked and are reeled in.

[Dan Williamson is the AOPC’s CommunicationsNetwork/Systems Security Administrator.]

bbyy DDaann WWiilllliiaammssoonn

For more information on hoaxes, rumors andlegends, check out these Web sites:

http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org: A searchable indexto identify e-mail hoaxes.

www.snopes2.com: A great resource whereinvestigations on each rumor are performed.

http://truthorfiction.com: A resource for check-ing Internet-spread rumors and hoaxes.

http://urbanlegends.about.com: Informationon rumors and hoaxes, both on and off theInternet.

AOPC’s Judicial Education Department Distributing Juror VideoA new jury video is available for use in each of

Pennsylvania’s courts thanks to AOPC’s JudicialEducation Department and the National ConstitutionCenter in Philadelphia.

The video—part of the center’smain exhibit called The Story of Wethe People—is being distributedthroughout the Commonwealth foruse with juror orientation.

The joint effort came about lastsummer after Snyder/Union CountyCommon Pleas Court Judge LLoouuiissee OO.. KKnniigghhtt visited theConstitution Center. After viewing the six-minute JuryService Video explaining the importance of jury service,Judge Knight requested a copy to show to prospectivejurors.

“The jurors so enjoyed the video that many applaud-ed at its end,” Judge Knight recalled. “Several prospec-tive jurors commented that it not only clarified for themthe importance of the jury selection process, but helped

immediately reduce the ‘resentment factor’ from beingsummoned.”

The National Constitution Center, located inPhiladelphia, is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicat-ed to increasing public understanding ofthe U.S. Constitution and the ideas andvalues it represents. Opened on July 4,2003, the Constitution Center is a muse-um, an education center and a forumfor debate on constitutional issues.

“We are honored to have this video utilized through-out the Pennsylvania Courts,” National ConstitutionCenter President and CEO JJoosseepphh MM.. TToorrsseellllaa said.“The video explains the responsibilities we have as citi-zens to serve on a jury when we are called to do so. Itis one of the ways the Constitution calls upon We thePeople to ensure due process of law.”

[For more information about the video or the center, call(215) 409-6700 or visit: www.constitutioncenter.org.]

“Several prospective jurorscommented that it ...clari-fied for them the impor-

tance of the jury selectionprocess...” according toJudge Louise O. Knight.

11

AOPC Team Tackles Proposed Laws of Interest to theCourt Community

The 2005-2006 session of the General Assemblysaw the introduction of a number of bills of significanceto the judiciary, and the AOPC legislative affairs teamdevoted many hours to analysis and related liaison activ-ities in representing the interests of the court system.

Among the bills introduced were a number of meas-ures and proposed constitutional amendments that, ifpassed, would have altered the structure of the judiciary.They included curbing the authority of the SupremeCourt; changing how judges are elected; opening courtproceedings to television cameras; and creating severalspecialty courts, including one for medical professionalliability cases. None of these bills were passed.

Bills that fail to pass in one session frequently appearin similar form in future sessions, so the time and effortto understand the bills and the concerns they are meantto address is not wasted.

Noteworthy bills that were signed during the last ses-sion included one that directs the AOPC to establish astatewide program for identifying and certifying qualifiedforeign-language interpreters. Another bill, passedunanimously in the House and Senate, exempts a courtform or an official document sold by a governmentagency from the state’s sales and use tax.

Of the bills that did become law this session, muchof the legislative team’s time was spent trying to mini-mize or even eliminate any adverse impact on the vari-ous judicial computer systems or court rules. At times a

slight change in a bill’s wording can mean the differencebetween expensive and time-consuming reprogrammingor rule changes, and minimal or no reprogramming.

Overall, the judicial branch enjoyed a positive work-ing relationship with the executive and legislativebranches during the last session, and the expectation is,this will continue throughout the 2007-2008 session.The judiciary was well represented at the Capitol onmultiple occasions to present the legislature with infor-mation regarding the court system’s proposed budgetrequests in 2005 and 2006, and AOPC staff interactedcontinuously with committee members and staff on mat-ters of concern to the judicial branch.

The legislative affairs team makes a constant effortto be helpful to legislators and their staff by answeringcourt-related questions, providing statistical informationand acting as a sounding board for proposed language.At times the efforts proved useful in showing bill spon-sors that the Unified Judicial System was studying andcrafting its own unique solutions to problems and, there-fore, did not need to be included in the coverage of apiece of legislation.

[The legislative affairs team includes: David Lane, JimKoval, Daryl Walker, Mary Beth Marschik and Art Heinz.]

[Art Heinz is an AOPC communications coordinator andmanaging editor of AOPC Connected.]

bbyy AArrtt HHeeiinnzz

Around the JudiciaryOOssvvaallddoo RR.. AAvviilleess, interpreter programadministrator for the AOPC’s JudicialPrograms department, and PhiladelphiaCommon Pleas Judge IIddaa KK.. CChheenn (bothstanding in center) were among more than adozen people on hand to witness Gov. EEddRReennddeellll sign into law a measure that estab-lishes a statewide program for identifyingand uniformly certifying qualified foreign-language interpreters. Act 172 of 2006 callsfor a statewide listing of certified interpretersto be made available to all Pennsylvaniacourts and administrative agencies. Formore information on the UJS’s interpreter certification program visit the program’s Web site atwww.courts. state.pa.us/index/InterpreterProgram/default.asp.

12

OCFC, continued from page 1

among child welfare professionalsthat dependent children, alreadytraumatized by neglect or abuse,should not be kept for unnecessarilylong periods in foster care or othernonpermanent residences.

The new OCFC, headed byAAnnddrreeaa HHooffffmmaann JJeelliinn, is conductinga statewide assessment of familycourt procedures to determine howto better manage and accelerate thecases of dependent children.

“The lives of these children areoften filled with sadness and uncer-tainty,” Jelin said. “Some of themmay spend years living in limbo,away from their families and withoutpermanent homes. Every child living

in foster care needs a permanenthome.”

Chief Justice Cappy said thatJustice MMaaxx BBaaeerr, a former adminis-trative judge of family court will guidethe OCFC’s efforts to improve theplight of dependent children.

“Justice Baer has shown a deepcommitment to all people whosecases are heard in family courts,”Cappy said. “It is my goal, his goaland the goal of the entire SupremeCourt to improve the lives of alldependent children in Pennsyl-vania.”

[L. Stuart Ditzen is the AOPC’s assis-tant for Communications.]

Supreme Court Justice Max Baerhas long advocated for Pennsyl-vania’s dependent children.

Allegheny County Senior Judge LLiivviinnggssttoonnee MM.. JJoohhnnssoonnwon a 2006 Judges Award from the Pennsylvania BarAssociation. The honor was one of five Legal Services tothe Public Awards presented by the association inPittsburgh to recipients distinguished for their outstand-ing commitment to pro bono service. Judge Johnsonwas recognized for his commitment to equality forminorities and women.

***

Allegheny County Judge RR.. SSttaannttoonn WWeettttiicckk JJrr.. receivedan Everyday Award from the Pennsylvania BarAssociation during a reception at One Oxford Centre inPittsburgh.

“Judge Wettick is not only one of the most respectedjurists in Pennsylvania, he is one of these ‘everyday lead-ers’ whose dedication to our profession is only surpassedby his humility and his reasoned approach,” the barassociation noted in a release about the award. “JudgeWettick is deserving of this award in gratitude for hiscontributions to Allegheny County and the Common-wealth of Pennsylvania.”

***

Philadelphia Judge JJoohhnn MMiillttoonn YYoouunnggee was one of anumber of panelists for “Maxims, Monarchy & SirThomas More,” a course sponsored by the Pennsylvania

Bar Institute, the continuing education arm of thePennsylvania Bar Association. Also on the panel wereDDaavviidd MM.. DDoonnaallddssoonn,, EEssqq.., the AOPC’s chief of litigationand MMaarryy BBuuttlleerr,, EEssqq.., an AOPC staff litigation attorney.Using the theme of Thomas More’s Middle Ages-eraclash of religious belief with public loyalty, the programprovided a wide platform for the discussion of many cur-rent questions and issues of concern to lawyers and thelegal profession.

***

SStteepphhaanniiee AA.. DDoommiittrroovviicchh, Erie Common Pleas Courtjudge, received a Ph.D. in Judicial Studies from theUniversity of Nevada, Reno. The degree, offered in con-junction with the National Judicial College, is the first tobe granted by the university.

***

Supreme Court Justice JJ..MMiicchhaaeell EEaakkiinn administered theoath of office to Sen. JJoosseepphhSSccaarrnnaattii, when the JeffersonCounty Republican was swornin as Interim President ProTempore of the Pennsylvania Senate at the conclusion ofthe 2005-2006 legislative session. Scarnati succeeds for-mer Sen. RRoobbeerrtt JJuubbeelliirreerr, R-Blair County as “Pro Tem”in the new session.

Honors, continued from page 8

13

CPCMS, continued from page 4

basis, aiding in many law enforcement functions. Inaddition, up-to-date warrant information improves thesafety of law enforcement officials, particularly whenmaking an arrest or traffic stop.”

“Through the system’s interface with the Pennsylva-nia Department of Transportation, CPCMS also canassist law enforcement officials by printing driver’slicense photos on warrants for identification purposes,”Ceraso added. Furthermore, access to statewide bailinformation and court history aswell as other online resources canassist judges when making deci-sions regarding bail for potentiallydangerous defendants.

CPCMS also improves court effi-ciency at the local level, providingdocketing, calendaring, accounting,collection, payment and a wide vari-ety of other court functions for its 7,400 primary countyusers, including judges and their staffs, clerks of courtsand county court administration staff. The system’s“event-next event” concept, for example, allows thecourt staff to anticipate upcoming actions and be proac-tive about managing caseloads. Its calendar featureprovides schedules for judges, attorneys and lawenforcement officers to assist court administrators in set-ting up hearings and trials. CPCMS eliminates the needfor county staff to complete docket transcripts and statis-tical reports and can reduce redundant data entry byelectronically transferring charge information to andfrom county district attorney offices.

The system even helps victims, who benefit fromCPCMS’s uniform disbursement schedule that enforcesthe high priority of payments to victims required by lawand provides data to the Crime Victims CompensationBoard within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crimeand Delinquency, assisting its efforts to help victims.

CPCMS is comprehensive, yet flexible. During itsdevelopment, AOPC staff identified common systemrequirements and those unique to the counties’ courtoperations and developed customized functions, whenpossible, to facilitate traditional practices in the counties.In addition, the staff has developed nearly 440 reports,forms and court documents to meet various countyreporting needs, and staff continues to add additionalreports as the need arises. Currently, users run morethan 14,000 of these reports daily.

The AOPC has provided extensive training for coun-ty users as part of the county-by-county implementation

process. Most system users received training prior toeach county’s “go-live” date. Some smaller countieshad two trainers on-site for at least four weeks. Largercounties had more trainers on-site for longer periods oftime. Philadelphia, for example, had 10 trainers on-sitefor more than 16 weeks before going live on CPCMS. Inaddition, nearly 30 analysts, developers and trainersfrom the AOPC’s staff were on-site in the Philadelphiacourts for its “go-live” in September, and many staff

remained on site through Decemberto assist with post-CPCMS imple-mentation issues. The AOPC con-tinues to provide ongoing trainingfor current and new county employ-ees as well as operates a toll-freehelp desk for county users.

The amount of court data trans-ferred to CPCMS from literally hun-

dreds of different county court systems is staggering.Information regarding more than 5.6 million existingcourt cases was transferred. Although cases dating backto the 1970s can be found on CPCMS, transferred caseinformation typically dates back 10 to 15 years or to thetime when the county first computerized its courts oper-ations. AOPC officials estimate that approximately400,000 new cases will be docketed on the CommonPleas Case Management System in 2007.

The CPCMS project included the purchase andinstallation of more than 800 computers and more than480 printers in the state’s 67 counties at a cost of $4.6million. Remarkably, one county had no computers andoperated strictly with paper files at the time the systemwas implemented.

Statewide judicial automation began in the early1980s under the direction of Pennsylvania SupremeCourt Chief Justice Emeritus SStteepphheenn AA.. ZZaappppaallaa. Sincethe inception of the first phase of the overall judicialcomputer project, the AOPC has broken new groundwhile developing three major statewide case manage-ment systems to date: the Magisterial District JudgeSystem, completed in 1992; the Pennsylvania AppellateCourt Case Management System, completed in 2000;and the newly-completed Common Pleas CaseManagement System, fully operational in early 2007.

[Steve Schell is a communications coordinator for theAOPC.]

The ability to quickly accessthe most current court infor-

mation throughout thestate...is invaluable to judges,law enforcement officers and

other criminal justice agencies.

14

The SSccrraannttoonn TTiimmeess--TTrriibbuunnee profiled the late MMiicchhaaeell PPoolliizzzzii, a Lackawanna County magisterial district judge, forhis four decades of service on the bench.

The LLeebbaannoonn DDaaiillyy NNeewwss chronicled Lebanon County Common Pleas Court Judge BBrraadd CChhaarrlleess’’ faith-basedapproach to his duties.

The EEaassttoonn EExxpprreessss--TTiimmeess noted former Lehigh County Judge TThhoommaass AA.. WWaalllliittsscchh’’ss return after several monthsin Afghanistan, where he advised that nation’s highest court on ways to develop its legal system.

The PPhhiillaaddeellpphhiiaa IInnqquuiirreerr marked the farewell of Chester County Judge LLaawwrreennccee EE.. WWoooodd with a feature storyabout his retirement from the bench.

The PPiittttssbbuurrgghh PPoosstt--GGaazzeettttee highlighted efforts to enhance efficiency and access in BBeeaavveerr CCoouunnttyy CCoommmmoonn PPlleeaassCCoouurrtt through electronic filing of civil documents.

The OOiill CCiittyy DDeerrrriicckk presented a report on the completion of a nearly year-long renovation project of the mainFFoorreesstt CCoouunnttyy courtroom in the county seat in Tionesta.

The RReeaaddiinngg EEaaggllee noted that the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges Commission selected the BBeerrkkss CCoouunnttyyCCoouurrtt’’ss snack shop as the state’s court-operated program of the year. The snack shop, which employs 30 delin-quent youths, teaches business and life skills and has been in operation for 12 years.

The WWyyaalluussiinngg RRoocckkeett--CCoouurriieerr featured BBrraaddffoorrdd CCoouunnttyy’’ss new treatment court in a story that concluded the pro-gram “changes lives for the better.”

The LLeeggaall IInntteelllliiggeenncceerr published a lengthy story on the start of a Superior Court mediation program that targetscivil matters from PPhhiillaaddeellpphhiiaa’’ss CCoommmmoonn PPlleeaass system.

The CCaarrlliissllee SSeennttiinneell reported on Cumberland County Judge MMeerrllee ““SSkkiipp”” EEbbeerrtt’’ss first year in office.

The TTeemmppllee TTiimmeess covered the CCoommmmoonnwweeaalltthh CCoouurrtt in action when seven cases were heard by the jurists at thePhiladelphia university’s student center.

The PPiittttssbbuurrgghh PPoosstt--GGaazzeettttee noted the creation of the Pretrial Services Agency in AAlllleegghheennyy CCoouunnttyy CCoommmmoonnPPlleeaass CCoouurrtt to improve the monitoring and supervision of defendants released on bail.

(This recap of recent news stories of interest to Pennsylvania’s Judiciary culled from papers acrossthe Commonwealth—highlighting the accomplishments of people, programs and initiatives—is

a regular feature in AOPC Connected.)

15

AOPC and U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals to Share Information, Sponsor Joint TechnologyConference

Several years ago, the late EEddwwaarrdd RR.. BBeecckkeerr, formerChief Judge of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, ChiefJustice of Pennsylvania RRaallpphh JJ.. CCaappppyy and others met todiscuss the idea of the state and federal courts sharinginformation. At their direction, staffs from both entitiesbegan working together to identify areas in which thismight happen.

The first area targeted for data exchange was capi-tal case information. The Third Circuit Court of Appealsmaintains a database of information regarding capitalcases. Currently, data is manually entered into that sys-tem by state and county personnel working on thosecases. With the development and implementation ofboth appellate and criminal Common Pleas case man-agement systems, data can be transmitted to the feder-al courts without the need for redundant data entry.

This project is slated to “go-live” in the first quarterof 2007.

While working on these interfaces, staff realized thatthe state and federal courts face many common technol-ogy issues and that courts could benefit from meetingand discussing how other jurisdictions in the region haddealt with these issues. Accordingly, planning began for

a joint conference aimed at federal, state and countycourt and information technology staff.

The conference will take place May 22 - 23, 2007,at the Penn Stater in State College. MMaarrkk SSoollttyyss of theThird Circuit executive’s office, Senior Projects DirectorRRaallpphh HHuunnssiicckkeerr and I have worked closely in developingan agenda to appeal to judicial, technical, administra-tive and policy-making staff.

Conference topics include data exchange, disasterrecovery, public access, video technology and others.Speakers will include officials and technology staff fromall levels of government. Keynote speaker will be LLaauurraaCChhaappppeellll, founder of the Protocol Analysis Institute, anorganization which focuses on protocol and applicationresearch and the development of educational materialfor network troubleshooters, analysts, engineers andsecurity technicians.

A brochure announcing the conference with the finalagenda and conference details will be distributed tocourts and technology staff throughout the state in earlyspring.

[Amy Ceraso is director of Judicial Automation for theAOPC.]

bbyy AAmmyy CCeerraassoo

PPrrooffeessssoorr SSaannddrraa DD.. JJoorrddaann - designated chair ofCommittee on Rules of EvidenceMMaauurreeeenn PP.. KKeellllyy,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to PennsylvaniaInterest on Lawyers Trust Account BoardBBllaaiissee PP.. LLaarroottoonnddaa - Allegheny County magisterial dis-trict judge - apptd. to Minor Court Rules CommitteePPeenniinnaa KKeesssslleerr LLiieebbeerr,, EEssqq.. - apptd. to PennsylvaniaInterest on Lawyers Trust Account BoardBBrriiddggeett EE.. MMoonnttggoommeerryy,, EEssqq.. - designated vice chair ofCommittee on Rules of EvidenceLLeesstteerr GG.. NNaauuhhaauuss - Allegheny County Common PleasCourt judge - reapptd. to Criminal Procedural RulesCommitteeAAbbrraahhaamm CC.. RReeiicchh,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to Continuing LegalEducation BoardSSttuuaarrtt HH.. SSaavveetttt,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to Continuing LegalEducation BoardKKeellllyy MM.. SSeekkuullaa,, EEssqq.. - apptd. to Committee on Rulesof Evidence

RRiicchhaarrdd AA.. SShheeeettzz JJrr..,, EEssqq.. - apptd. to CriminalProcedural Rules CommitteeGGrraahhaamm CC.. SShhoowwaalltteerr,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to CriminalProcedural Rules CommitteeKKeellllyy HH.. SShhuusstteerr,, EEssqq.. - reapptd. to Continuing LegalEducation Board, redesignated vice chairCCllyyddee WW.. WWaaiittee - Bucks County Common Pleas Courtjudge - apptd. to Committee on Rules of Evidence

OOtthheerr BBooaarrddss//CCoommmmiitttteeeessBBuurrrreellll BBrroowwnn,, EEssqq.. - designated as chair of theInterbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and EthnicFairnessEEddwwiinn LL.. KKlleetttt,, EEssqq.. - apptd. to Judicial Conduct BoardMMaauurreeeenn EE.. LLaallllyy--GGrreeeenn - Superior Court judge - desig-nated secretary of the Interbranch Commission forGender, Racial and Ethnic FairnessKKeelllleeyy TT.. DD.. SSttrreeiibb - Butler County magisterial districtjudge - apptd. to Court of Judicial Discipline

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5001 Louise DriveMechanicsburg, PA 17055

Philadelphia Fetes Those Who Help the PoorA special task force produced an award program to

encourage Philadelphia’s legal community to meet theneed for pro bono services. The First Judicial District(FJD) held its inaugural “Pro Bono Publico Award” cere-mony in November for local attorneys who provided out-standing pro bono services. Nominations were submittedby the judiciary, and final selections were made by ajudge from each court division and an attorney from thePhiladelphia bar.

Retired Superior Court Judge PPhhyylllliiss BBeecckk, now chairof the Independence Foundation and of counsel withPepper Hamilton LLP, was the featured speaker at theevent.

“There is a great need for free legal counsel onbehalf of city residents in matters ranging from familylaw to personal finances and beyond,” said JJaammeess JJ..FFiittzzggeerraalldd IIIIII, administrative judge of the PhiladelphiaCourt Trial Division. “The award recipients haveresponded to the growing demand and have gone aboveand beyond the call.”

The 2006 Pro Bono “Roll of Honor” also wasannounced to recognize all attorneys who provided freeservices in the FJD. The Roll of Honor was published in

media outlets and on the FJD and the Philadelphia BarAssociation’s Web sites.

[P. Karen Blackburn is court administrative officer toAdministrative Judge James J. Fitzgerald III, TrialDivision, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.]

bbyy PP.. KKaarreenn BBllaacckkbbuurrnn

Recipients of the awards were (from left) Arthur B.Jarrett (for work in family court), Anne Maxwell(orphans’ court), Daniel T. Williams (civil division) andBerto M. Elmore (criminal division).