Enhance public understanding of the administration of justice
Studies show that people's understanding of the justice system
directly affects their confidence in it. The Bar offers a range of
activities to promote the public's understanding of the administration
of justice. One of the Bar's most successful programs each year is the
Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament, which gives high school
students hands-on experience in the justice system.
New videotape helps clients understand ADR. The State Bar Videotape
Committee produced "Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution," an
easy-to-understand explanation of ADR for clients. The video covers nine
methods of resolution and tips for preparing for mediation and
arbitration proceedings. The Communications Committee added a similar
title to its popular consumer pamphlet series.
Local bar grants awarded to public service projects. The State Bar
Local Bar Grant Competition Committee awarded grants to seven local and
specialty bar associations for developing these public service
projects:
- a video geared towards schoolchildren on juvenile justice laws;
- a high school curriculum on topics of contractual obligations;
- a booklet on immigration rights;
- fact sheets translated into Hmong on juvenile criminal proceedings
and family law issues;
- mediation services for civil claims and pro se divorce litigants,
and victims and offenders;
- free legal clinics; and
- a brochure on the basics of obtaining a valid driver's license.
Seminar promotes understanding between courts and media. In FY00, the
Media-Law Relations Committee and the Wisconsin Supreme Court sponsored
the second "Courts and Media" free seminar. Reporters, attorneys, and
judges gained a better understanding of each other's perspectives in the
contexts of their work. Enhanced court-media communication and more
informed reporting ultimately benefits the public and the legal
profession.
Wisconsin Lawyer
