NCJ Number
43780
Date Published
1977
Length
17 pages
Annotation
OREGON'S CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR JUDGES IS EVALUATED, AND ISSUES IN DESIGNING SEQUENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR THE CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF JUDGES ARE CONSIDERED.
Abstract
THE OREGON PROGRAM HAS THREE COMPONENTS: A 5-DAY ORIENTATION FOR NEW JUDGES; PUBLICATIONS (BENCH BOOKS, MANUALS, NEWSLETTER); AND PRESENTATIONS ON NEW LAWS, DECISIONS, AND ISSUES AT ANNUAL SPRING AND FALL CONFERENCES. OREGON JUDGES APPEAR TO VIEW THEIR ROLES AS FAIRLY STATIC WITHIN A GIVEN COURT SYSTEM. THE ABSENCE OF ANY CLEAR DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE OREGON JUDICIAL COLLEGE'S PRACTICE OF BASING ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ON THE INFORMATIONAL NEEDS OF THE JUDGES IS IN KEEPING WITH REALITY. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE OREGON GROUP PERIODICALLY CONDUCT A CENSUS OF PRACTITIONERS TO DETERMINE AREAS IN WHICH EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS ARE NEEDED. IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE SEMIANNUAL SESSIONS BE EXTENDED AND IMPROVED IN FORMAT. OTHER PROGRAM POSSIBILITIES INCLUDE PERIODIC ROTATION OF JUDGES TO OTHER COURTS FOR SHORT-TERM DUTY; INSTITUTIONALIZED FEEDBACK SESSIONS ON JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE; AND A 'BUDDY SYSTEM,' WHEREIN JUDGES ARE PAIRED FOR PURPOSES OF PERIODIC MUTUAL CONSULTATION. IT IS FURTHER NOTED THAT A BROAD-BASED STUDY OF THE ROLES, TASKS, AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS OF JUDGES IS NEEDED BEFORE COMPREHENSIVE CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS CAN BE DESIGNED.