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Sacramento Superior Court Thanks Volunteer Temporary Judges |
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The Sacramento Superior Court extends a well deserved “thank you” to the volunteer attorneys, who sit as Temporary Judges in our Small Claims and Traffic court trials at the Carol Miller Justice Center (CMJC). Traffic and Small Claims cases constitute more than 65% of the Court's caseload. Those who sit as judicial officers at CMJC create the image of justice to members of the public, whose only contact with the court system may be through a small claims case or a traffic citation. The Court values the significant contribution that these volunteers make to the fair administration of justice in Sacramento County. Applications for Temporary Judge All members of the Bar are invited to join us in doing challenging and interesting pro bono work in Small Claims and Traffic. Applications are available by contacting Joseph Cochrane, the Temporary Judge Coordinator, at cochraj@saccourt.com or by calling 875-7702. An applicant must be a member of the California Bar Association for at least 10 years, complete the application process, and meet the new California Rules of Court 243.13 et seq, which require nine hours of mandatory training every three years. Whenever possible, the Sacramento Superior Court will provide such training at no cost to the volunteers and offer MCLE credits. The Court encourages attorneys to apply who have the desire and commitment to serve the Court and the public in this unique way. Temporary Judges may define their own time commitment to this program. Commissioners and court staff are always available for assistance. December 1, 2006 In Person Training A training session is scheduled for December 1, 2006, as part of the mandatory training requirement. Judges Russell Hom and Judy Herscher will lead this training session for which participants will receive MCLE credits. Those who are interested in applying should contact Joseph Cochrane before that date. The Challenges of Small Claims and Traffic Courts With the increase of the Small Claims Jurisdiction to $7500, effective January 1, 2006, claimants may have a lot at stake. Temporary Judges hear a broad range of civil cases including consumer law, vehicle sales and repairs, personal injury, property damage, landlord-tenant disputes, professional malpractice, home improvement contracts, and debt collection. The work is challenging and a significant public service since there are no attorneys representing the claimants, there is often little or no pretrial discovery, and there is most often a minimal statement of the claim. The judicial officer must be able to question the parties and witnesses for relevant facts, research the applicable law for potential causes of action, and… most importantly… maintain proper decorum and remain patient in a high volume, emotionally charged setting. In Traffic Court, a Temporary Judge presides by stipulation of the parties and hears mostly violations of infractions of the Vehicle Code, although some local code infractions and misdemeanors are also calendared. There is no representative of the District Attorney's office to prosecute unless the case involves an accident or opposing counsel. Usually, the citing officer presents the People's case and the defendant is self-represented. The judicial officer has a delicate task of fact finding within the boundaries of due process required in criminal trials. Like Small Claims, the judicial officer must establish and maintain proper respect for the legal system in this high volume, confrontational environment. KUDOS TO CMJC TEMPORARY JUDGES The Superior Court honors the following volunteers, who have demonstrated the personal and professional skills and integrity needed to ensure the access to justice that the public expects and deserves.
November/December 2006 |
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