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The NJC’s Special Court Jurisdiction Course is Invaluable Resource for Judges

By Hon. Becky Gerrard, Seneca, S.C., and Magistrate Rita Brown, Springfield, S.C.

2/6/2008

In April of 2008, we will once again have an opportunity to take part in the Special Court Jurisdiction class as group facilitators. The first time we had an opportunity to attend the Special Court Jurisdiction class was in August of 2000. Every time we help facilitate the program, we gain additional knowledge and the confidence to make better decisions in adjudicating cases. This course provides us with the necessary skills to perform our judicial duties more efficiently and effectively. We learned about better methods of communication while identifying new approaches to conducting a trial.

The course is an invaluable resource for networking with colleagues. Since August of 2000, I (Judge Gerrard) have returned five times to serve as a group facilitator for the Special Court Jurisdiction course. Judge Brown has also participated as a group facilitator on several occasions. Each opportunity has given us new insights and fellowship with other judges throughout the country. During the two-week course, the groups exchange ideas, discuss policies and procedures, and reflect on their own judicial experiences. Participation in these group sessions is a valuable tool in making this course such a tremendous success. The group discussions give us a better understanding of our judicial system and our role as judges. The connections we have made have lasted well beyond our time as course participants and group facilitators, and we continue to maintain those bonds and friendships.

We always found the faculty to be professional and enthusiastic in their presentation of course material. The presentations and materials provide a wealth of information relating directly to our day-to-day judicial responsibilities. Serving as group facilitators renews and refreshes our passion to serve as judges each time we participate. We continue to be impressed with the new information we obtain each time, and we encourage all judges to attend courses offered by The National Judicial College.

Verdene Johnson, program attorney for The National Judicial College, annually designs the course and selects the faculty members who will best meet the needs of legally and non-legally trained judges. In designing the programs, she ensures that she includes innovative topics, so the program constantly evolves.

Judges who participate in the Special Court Jurisdiction class at the onset of their careers will build the proper foundation for excellence on the bench throughout their tenures. In fact, it is a great “refresher” course for judges who have been on the bench for long periods of time.

The Special Court Jurisdiction course is offered April 28-May 8, 2008, in Reno, Nev. Please call (800) 25-JUDGE for more information or to enroll.