Public Notice Detail

BEMIDJI, MN (October 22, 1999) – Today Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen A. Blatz praised the Ninth Judicial District’s use of Interactive Television (ITV) in court proceedings at a press conference in Bemidji.

“This is a great example of how our courts are working to be more effective, more responsive and more connected to the people we serve,” said Chief Justice Blatz. 

At the press conference via interactive television, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) released a report praising the Ninth Judicial District’s use of ITV, saying the project “should be held up as an example to other jurisdictions nationwide.”  ITV is used on a daily basis in all 17 counties in the Ninth Judicial District.  The courts and a variety of local government agencies all utilize the ITV technology.

The NCSC report measured ITV progress over a two-year period and called it “outstanding.”  In addition, the report cited:

• Cost savings – Due to significantly reduced travel expenses, ITV “clearly appears to save money for the taxpayers of Minnesota.” 
• Effective Implementation – “Staff was well-trained, the judges and attorneys were prepared, and the attorneys, litigants and witnesses used the system as if they had been doing it for years…”
• Potential Uses – ITV use could be expanded to include even more court hearings, more meetings and more training.  Also “representatives and senators at the state and federal levels could host community meetings through the system…”

Ninth Judicial District Assistant Chief Judge Dennis Murphy has spearheaded the ITV project and was pleased with the report findings.  “Face to face contact in court proceedings is still very important to litigants,” said Judge Murphy.  “However, the ability to use this technology for hearings, meetings and training helps bring all of Northern Minnesota closer together.  We look forward to expanding its use.”

Supreme Court Justices Russell Anderson and Joan Ericksen Lancaster joined the Chief Justice in her visit to the Ninth Judicial District.  In addition to the ITV event, the Justices visited community focus groups in Brainerd, the Blandin Foundation in Grand Rapids and a Campus Community Breakfast at Bemidji State University.  Chief Justice Blatz is slated to be the keynote speaker at a Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund event Saturday in Crookston.  The Ninth District visit is to be the first of ten district visits for the Supreme Court throughout the state.