Judicial Council honors eight courts for innovative approaches to serving the public

The Judicial Council of California announced the recipients of the 2008–2009 Ralph N. Kleps Awards for Improvement in Administration of the Courts, a biennial awards program recognizing innovation in the state’s courts.

From a field of 17 nominations, the council selected 8 exemplary programs for awards that will be presented on August 26, 2009, at a gathering of judicial leaders.

Created in 1991 in honor of Ralph N. Kleps, the first Administrative Director of the Courts in California, the awards are given in five categories based on the number of authorized judicial positions (AJPs) in the courts. The programs nominated must be innovative, be transferable to other courts, and have demonstrated results. Summaries of the awarded programs follow.

2008–2009 KLEPS AWARD RECIPIENTS

Online Procedural Manual: Superior Court of California, County of Amador

This Web-based collection of job aids outlines most court procedures and includes links to applicable rules and forms. It helps court staff share accurate and consistent information with the public and within the court and is particularly useful in a small court where clerks are called on regularly to work outside their assigned subject matter area.

Binational Justice Project: Superior Court of California, County of Imperial

This binational collaborative network with justice partners from Mexico provides free legal services to self-represented litigants, public education, community outreach, and an internship program for Mexican law school students.

Self-Help Online Workshop Registration: Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

This online module allows the public to register for self-help center workshops and make appointments for individual review of documents, eliminating a time-consuming trip to the courthouse for residents of this geographically large county. It also automates the process for court staff.

Multi-Option Alternative Dispute Resolution Project (MAP): Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

This is a broad array of dispute resolution options and educational outreach sessions in family law, juvenile dependency and delinquency, small claims, probate, complex litigation, and civil calendars brought together under one roof and conducted in partnership with the local bar and community mediation center.

Online Probable Cause: Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa

This computer application allows a judge on magistrate duty the ability to approve or deny probable cause declarations in real time from any Internet connection. It significantly improves communication with arresting officers, expedites probable cause responses, and improves the processing of judicial workload.

Online Juror Orientation: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles

This fully customized and interactive online program offers the 10,000 people called to jury duty each day in this county an opportunity to complete jury orientation at their convenience and report later on their first day of service. It accommodates the schedules and personal demands of prospective jurors and helps streamline the orientation process, increasing the effectiveness of court staff.

Giving Families a Chance: The Collaboration between Family Court Services and FIRST 5: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara

Aimed at children under the age of six and their families, this program addresses the common underlying problems that create unnecessary litigation. Participating families are given priority access to an extensive network of county social services, community support, and pro bono legal services, with the court serving as the hub and entry point.

Special Category—Appellate Courts

This free self-help center provides self-represented civil litigants a better understanding of Court of Appeal practices and procedures. It offers assistance in filling out court forms; an opportunity to review paperwork before filing; and information about procedures, filings, and deadlines in the appellate process.

The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Under the leadership of the Chief Justice and in accordance with the California Constitution, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. The Administrative Office of the Courts carries out the official actions of the council and promotes leadership and excellence in court administration.