NCJ Number
159973
Date Published
1995
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The information officer for the Minnesota judiciary describes her work in facilitating communication between judges and media representatives.
Abstract
Over a period of 2 years, seminars were conducted in each of Minnesota's 10 judicial districts, so that judges and court personnel interacted with local journalists in a discussion of local concerns. The seminars were attended by 161 of the State's 260 judges, by a selected sampling of court administrators in each county who have regular contact with journalists, and by more than 200 reporters, editors, and copy editors in print and broadcast media. The judges met informally with journalists to discuss how well the courts provide information and how the system could be improved, and the judges also taught the classes on the role and function of the courts. Following the seminars, the overwhelming response from judges was their surprise that journalists really do want to present accurate information. Journalists, in turn, were surprised that judges were intimidated by the media. The author recommends that for high-profile cases, judges and journalists both benefit from a pretrial meeting, during which they work out the ground rules for coverage, establish lines of communication, and plan the logistical and institutional support systems necessary to ensure the timely flow of information. Further, both judges and journalists should establish rapport with individuals within each system. Also, judges and journalists should read and observe court coverage.