ADR Part of Long-Range Plan for FL Courts

A long-range strategic plan for Florida's Judicial Branch from 2016 to 2021 is available, published by the Judicial Management Council. It finds that Florida’s people depend on their court system to make fair, reliable, and prompt case decisions. The administration of justice requires deliberate attention to each case, a well-defined process to minimize delay, and the appropriate use of limited resources. It emphasizes the importance of our judicial branch in implementing practices which utilize resources effectively, efficiently, and in an accountable manner while continuing its commitment to fairness and impartiality. It specifically aims to promote the use of innovative and effective problem-solving courts and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, such as mediation and arbitration. The report finds Florida’s courts are committed to equal access to justice for all. However, litigation costs, communication barriers, lack of information, complexity, biases, and physical obstructions can create difficulties for those seeking to access the courts to obtain relief. Therefore, it concludes the judicial branch must strive to identify and remove real or perceived barriers to better provide meaningful access to the courts. The judicial branch’s legal authority is a grant by the people, and public trust and confidence in the judicial branch is at the heart of maintaining a democratic society. Promoting public trust and confidence in the courts, it says, enhances the effectiveness of court actions, strengthens judicial impartiality, and improves the ability of courts to fulfill their mission. Finally, it resolves that improved communication, collaboration, and education efforts will better inform the public about the judicial branch’s role, mission, and vision. See more in report here-- http://bit.ly/2fE4ITI

Judicial Management Council Created

The Supreme Court of Florida on its own motion this year created the Judicial Management Council of Florida, an advisory body designed to assist the court in identifying trends, potential crisis situations, and the means to address them. The so-called JMC will assist the court with forward-looking vision to better fulfill its mission to protect rights and liberties, uphold and interpret the law, and provide for the peaceful resolution of disputes (could this mean alternative dispute resolution?). Council members are to maintain an awareness of current issues, policies and trends related to the judicial branch in order to anticipate and respond to changing priorities. They will be responsible for reviewing the charges of the various court and Florida Bar commissions and committees, as well. JMC members are primarily judges (though there are a few bar and public members) who will be recommending consolidation or revision of commissions and committees, methods for the coordination of the work of those bodies. Applications are due tomorrow from members of The Florida Bar in good standing who are interested in JMC membership. Information on appointment to the council by application is available at www.flcourts.org/gen_public/stratplan/JMC.shtml as well as specific information about the council composition, as well as detailed background information, an application form, and instructions for completing the application. This, along with recent changes to the Rules of Judicial Administration that trump Civil Procedure Rules, seems to be consistent with the high court asserting itself.