Enhancing Judicial Bench Skills (JS 624)

May 6-10, 2012
Location: Charleston, SC
Tuition: $1,195
Conference Fee: $390

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This is a practical course for new judges who want to develop the skills they need to oversee their courtroom effectively, and for judges who want to take a fresh look at the judge’s role on the bench, from civility to contempt. After taking this course, judges will be able to demonstrate effective communication behaviors on the bench; more effectively make and protect the record; deal with difficult people in the courtroom, and apply contempt powers from the bench with confidence and restraint; avoid bias and the appearance of bias; improve their decision-making skills; learn and apply innovative jury management techniques; better address matters of courtroom security; work with self-represented litigants ethically and effectively; and better manage the effects of judicial stress.

Qualifies as an elective for the Certificate in Judicial Development, General Jurisdiction Trial Skills, Special Court Trial Skills and Tribal Judicial Skills programs.

This course will include an optional “Best of Charleston” package that will include:

• Tour of Fort Sumter. On Sunday, May 6, we will set sail from Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter, where Confederate artillery opened fire on the federal fort on April 12, 1861 – the first shots fired in the Civil War. We will take an afternoon tour of the Fort, conducted by the National Park Service, and return to Charleston in time for you to participate in the on-site registration for the course and attend the reception hosted by the Charleston School of Law.

• Walking Tour of Charleston. Our early-evening, two-hour tour on Monday, May 7 will begin at beautiful Waterfront Park with a brief overview of the Charleston Harbor and its history.  Next we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the oldest section of colonial Charles Town – South of Broad Street – inside the Old Walled City.  Charleston's tradition of religious freedom will be discussed as we pass the historical churches that give Charleston its oft-referred-to-name, “The Holy City.”  Charleston’s unique architecture will be discussed – as well as structural modifications that have been made due to the numerous disasters that have befallen the city. Prominent houses of interest will be highlighted, as well as historically prominent Charlestonians – perhaps even a judge or two!  Our tour will include a stroll through picturesque White Point Gardens where our guides will share stories of the historical statues and canons found there. Our tour will conclude inside of Washington Square behind City Hall at the “Four Corners of Law” – in time for you to enjoy dinner (on your own) at one of Charleston’s finest.

• Sunset Cruise. On Wednesday, May 9, we will board a catamaran from Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant for an evening Sunset Cruise of the Charleston Harbor, which is known for its dolphin sightings in addition to the beauty of the harbor. Refreshments and appetizers will be served aboard the catamaran, and transportation to and from Shem Creek will be provided.

We are delighted to offer the “Best of Charleston” package at a very affordable price of $70.00 per person. Feel free to bring family, friends, or guests on the excursions.

The Charleston School of Law will host a reception for the course participants on Sunday, May 6, 2012. The Charleston School of Law is an ideal location for the course as the law school focuses its legal education on the art of public service – graduates leave campus as practice-ready professionals prepared to make an impact to improve their communities. If you are not able to arrive in Charleston in time to participate in the Fort Sumter tour, we do ask that you arrive in time to register on-site at the law school (between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.) and take part in the Sunday reception from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.