Delaware Docket Newsletter
Spring 2013

We are pleased to present the Spring 2013 issue of the Delaware Docket, the Newsletter of the Delaware Judiciary, which is published semi-annually to provide updates on activities and events in the Judicial community. All are welcome to suggest topics, contribute articles for future editions, and provide suggestions on the newsletter. Please use the links below to navigate the current issue or view the printable pdf version .

FEATURED STORIES

Delaware Courts and Other Unite to Face Courthouse Tragedy
The events that occurred on the morning of February 11 – the tragic shooting in the lobby of the New Castle County Courthouse (NCCCH) in Wilmington – cost two victims their lives, injured two Capitol Police officers, and represented a direct attack, not only on the victims, but also on the justice system.

Judicial Branch Identifies Security Priorities
In April 2013, following a thorough review of security measures in place at the New Castle County Courthouse (NCCCH), as well as all Delaware courthouses statewide, Chief Justice Myron T. Steele submitted a list of key security priorities, and a budget request supporting implementation of those priorities, to the other branches of government.

Delaware Judiciary Recognized

The Family Court Welcomes Judge Ryan, and Commissioners Maxwell and Williams
The Family Court of the State of Delaware welcomed Judge Paula T. Ryan, and Commissioners James J. Maxwell and Dawn M. Williams to the bench. Judge Ryan, Commissioner Maxwell, and Commissioner Williams were unanimously confirmed by the 147th General Assembly during a Special Session in December 2012.

Judicial Branch Employee of the Year
Chief Justice Myron T. Steele named Family Court Employee, Heather Morton, as the Judicial Branch Employee of the Year for 2012.

The Changing Face of the Law Libraries: Virtual Reference
January 2013 saw the launch of the new online chat option and website "Ask a Law Librarian, Delaware". While still in its infancy, the online chat feature has provided the citizens of Delaware with a new point of access to locating legal information.

The 2013 State of Delaware High School Mock Trial Competition: Mixes Cautionary Tale with Spectacular Advocacy Performances
Each school participated in four preliminary rounds and had to try both sides of the case. The two best advocates and two best witnesses were awarded gavels by the judges. A final round, late on Saturday, pitted the finalists and was judged by a panel that included Supreme Court
Justice Ridgely.

First Lady Carla Markell Opens Sisters in Success Conference at Baylor Women's Correctional Institution
The day-long conference, led by Superior Court Judge Jan R. Jurden, brought together a team
of professional women from the local community to offer a series of workshops designed to provide women in BWCI with the tools necessary to make a successful transition back into the community.

The Administrative Office of the Courts Supports Job Skills Conference
As a part of the Judicial Branch's civic outreach program, the Administrative Office of the Courts recently partnered with the Salvation Army's Keep a Job program to present a job skills seminar at the New Castle County Courthouse on April 19, 2013.

Demonstrated Success in Drug Diversion for the Court of Common Pleas
Located in each of the three counties in the Court of Common Pleas, the Drug Diversion Program ("Drug Diversion") is a problem-solving court for those offenders who have pending charges related to drug possession but who have not been previously convicted of a drug offense.

iCivics and Law Day
The Women and the Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association in conjunction with the Supreme Court of Delaware will present iCivics in public junior and middle schools throughout the State of Delaware during the month of May 2013. It expands on the iCivics presentations
which occurred on Law Day 2012.

Court of Chancery Amends its Rules Regarding Confidential Filings and Discovery
The Court of Chancery amended its Rules, effective January 1, 2013, to improve public access to filings in cases before the Court. The amendment updates the Court's existing rule governing the filing of documents under seal.

Veterans Treatment Court Expands to New Castle County
The Delaware Superior Court's Veterans Treatment Court program held its first calendar in New Castle County in January, 2013 with Judge Jurden, a former member of the armed services presiding.

Delaware Delegation Attends National Conference to Kick Off OVW Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Project
On January 8, 2013, a delegation led by Superior Court Judge Jan R. Jurden, and comprised of staff of the Court of Common Pleas and the Administrative Office of the Courts, headed to Louisville, Kentucky to attend a three day, new grantee orientation training sponsored by the
Office on Violence Against Women.

Justice of the Peace Court Begins Basic Legal Education for New Judges
The Justice of the Peace Court is excited to begin another Basic Legal Education Criminal Module for its recently appointed judges.

For the Love of it All
Not many people are lucky enough (or sufficiently persistent) to pursue their childhood passions into their adulthood. Even fewer folks are able to combine that passion with their livelihood. Only a select few find a way to do what they love alongside their colleagues while giving back to others.

Driving Under the Influence Court - New Problem-Solving Court Coming to Delaware
Plans to bring the newest problem-solving court to Delaware are currently underway. House Bill No. 378, signed by Governor Jack Markell on July 18, 2012, is the impetus behind the creation of a Driving Under the Influence Court ("DUI Court") that will fall under the purview of the Court of
Common Pleas.