SAFFORD — The Chief Justice and Vice Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court visited Graham County Thursday, to talk about the high court’s strategic plan and hear from those involved in the justice system.
Chief Justice Robert Brutinel talked about technology impacting the court system. The Supreme Court system has created an Artificial Intelligence Oversight Committee, which he will chair once he steps down as chief judge.
He also said Arizona courts are among the nation’s leaders when it comes to recognizing the role mental illness plays in those going through the justice system, and the Supreme Court is working the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to serve those dealing with mental health issues.
Vice Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer said it’s incumbent on the court system to restore the people’s trust in the courts.
“I think that the best way to bring trust back is to get people educated about what courts do and don’t do,” Trimmer said. “So many people get their information about a judge, for better or worse, they watch it on TV with the U.S. Supreme Court, and they see the politics involved in the selection of that person. And some of the questions asked, and then people assume all judges, then, are selected like that, and they’re making ideological decisions and not decisions that follow the rule of law.”
To do that, she said the courts need to conduct more outreach and speak with citizens in way that engages and even entertains while it instructs. That includes making the process of jury duty simpler, because, she said, when a person serves on a jury they come away with an understanding of the justice system and see the effort court staff makes in making the process fair.
The justices fielded questions about attracting lawyers to the rural portions of the state. Brutinel said if there’s enough interest, he would approach the Legislature about funding law school students to serve summer internships in rural courts and County Attorneys’ offices.
He also talked about the funding needs for Justice and Municipal courts, which don’t have the technology needed to serve those who live so remotely they cannot attend court proceedings in person.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Graham County Superior Court Judge Michael Peterson hosted the justices and gave a short presentation on the goals in the strategic plan set by Timmer for when she assumes the position of chief justice in July. They include:
● Expanding and promoting access to justice
● Maintaining public trust and confidence
● Protecting children, families and communities
● Advancing Judicial Branch excellence and innovation
● Enhancing professionalism and leadership within the justice system
Brutinel said when he assumed the position of chief justice five years ago, he included 142 initiatives in the court’s strategic plan, and the court has accomplished all but one during his tenure.
Brutinel and Trimmer are traveling the state in the time leading to the change in leadership, meeting with the Superior Courts and area attorneys in all 15 counties.
