SAFFORD — The Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court visited Graham County on Thursday to discuss the high court's strategic plan and hear from justice system officials.
Chief Justice Robert Brutinell spoke about technology impacting the court system. The Supreme Court system has created an artificial intelligence oversight committee, which he will chair after he retires as chief justice.
He also noted that Arizona courts lead the nation in recognizing the role that mental illness plays in people passing through the justice system, and that the Supreme Court has made the Arizona Health Care Cost Act effective for people dealing with mental health issues. It said it was operating a suppression system.
Deputy Chief Justice Anne Scott Timmer said it is the responsibility of the court system to restore public confidence in the courts.
“I think the best way to restore trust is to educate people about what the courts will and won't do,” Trimmer said. “So many people are informed about judges, for better or worse, and they watch the U.S. Supreme Court on TV and see politics play a role in their selection. And then some questions are asked and people assume that all judges are chosen that way and that they are making ideological decisions rather than decisions that are in accordance with the rule of law.”
To do that, she said, the court needs to conduct more public relations activities and interact with the public in ways that engage and even entertain during instruction. That includes streamlining the process of jury duty. She said that's because when you serve on a jury, you understand the justice system and see the efforts of court officials to make the process fair.
The justices asked questions about attracting lawyers to the state's rural areas. Brutinelle said if there is enough interest, he will approach the Legislature about funding to provide law school students with summer internships in district courts and county attorney's offices.
He also spoke about the funding needs of judicial courts and local courts that do not have the necessary technology to serve people who live in remote areas and cannot attend court in person.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Graham County Superior Court Judge Michael Peterson hosted the judges and gave a short presentation on the goals of the strategic plan that Timmer set when he became chief judge in July. They include:
● Expanding and promoting access to justice
● Maintaining the trust and confidence of society.
● Protect children, families and communities
● Promoting excellence and innovation in the justice sector
● Strengthening expertise and leadership in the justice system
Brutinel said when he became chief justice five years ago, he included 142 initiatives in the court's strategic plan, and the court accomplished all but one during his term.
Mr. Brutinell and Mr. Trimmer have been traveling the state, meeting with superior courts and local attorneys in all 15 counties in the lead-up to the leadership change.
