[blindlaw] Courtroom information technology for judges

Thu Mar 21 18:03:04 UTC 2019

Elizabeth:

Here is an article discussing Richard Bernstein's appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court. Judge Bernstein is blind. The article lists a few others. 

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/28/blind-judge-michigan_n_6386856.html

Judge Bernstein appears to rely heavily on human readers, but that doesn't necessarily mean he lacks experience with courtroom information technology. I know you said you have been an ALJ before, but talking to Parnell Diggs may be useful. He is an ALJ and may have some tips for you. Finally, you may want to speak with list members who have served as judicial externs/clerks. They may have insight into the IT systems in use. Tim Elder, Michal Nowicki, Chris Stewart, and Laura Wolk are just a few. Although I externed for a judge in law school, I did not use any of the courtroom information technology systems. 

Best,

Tai Tomasi, J.D.
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Staff Attorney

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-----Original Message-----
From: BlindLaw <blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Singh, Nandini via BlindLaw
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2019 12:42 PM
To: Blind Law Mailing List <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Singh, Nandini <NSingh at cov.com>
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Courtroom information technology for judges

Off the top of my head, I can think of David Tatel of the D.C. Circuit and Bruce Selya of the First Circuit. I feel like I remember hearing about a federal district court judge in Connecticut when I was in law school, but I would have to do some digging to figure out who that is. These judges would be a pretty good place to start, even though their docket is very different from what you may encounter.

-----Original Message-----
From: BlindLaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene via BlindLaw
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2019 1:16 PM
To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
Cc: Elizabeth Rene
Subject: [blindlaw] Courtroom information technology for judges

Hello list mates,
I have just been invited to interview for the position of judge/magistrate pro tempore in the Seattle Municipal Court. This is the busiest Municipal Court in my state. I’m excited about this because I served the court as an assistant city prosecutor years ago.
Back in the day, I have a little hope of ever serving as an SMC judge pro tem because I didn’t expect it information system to be accessible to me. I’m taking the plunge now and hoping there’s better technology on offer. (I’ve prepared for pro tem service by taking CLEs presented by my state’s association of district and municipal court judges, getting onto the state-wide pro tem registry, serving on my state’s Commission on judicial conduct and court rules committee, and trying to stay current on criminal law & procedure and evidence. I’ve also been an ALJ and presided at character & fitness hearings for my bar association.) My question to you all is, are there any blind judges out there who use electronic information technology in the courtroom? Has it been accessible to you? If not, how do you find out what you need to know in real time? How do you make entries were necessary. Have your clerks been helpful to you? 
Seattle municipal court calendars are heavy, with vigorous motion practice, jury trials, bench calendars, night court, and in-and out of custody arraignments. The SMC includes a mental health court, a drug court, a domestic violence court, and a veterans‘ court to provide enhanced services to these offender populations. There is some civil jurisdiction too. The magistrates under its supervision handle traffic infractions and civil municipal code violations that can involve complex fact situations and initial legal rulings. If any blind judges have any tips at all for me about anything to do with being a judge, I’d be very grateful to learn them.
Being on the State pro tem registry allows me to preside anywhere in Washington if the court needs assistance. So I can gain experience in tiny jurisdictions as well as in this major metropolis. If anyone knows a blind judge, either inside or outside of the NFB, please pass their name along.
Many thanks!
Elizabeth 

Elizabeth M René 
Attorney at Law 
WSBA #10710 
KCBA #21824
rene0373 at gmail.com 
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