ALL CHILD
SUPPORT GUIDELINES AND WORKSHEETS UPDATED
All Child Support Guidelines and Worksheets (forms 1-4 on the Forms page)
have been successfully updated on-line.
http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/rules/index.shtml
(rule amendments within the last 90 days)
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NEBRASKA
SUPREME COURT AMENDMENTS TO WORKSHEETS 1 THROUGH 4 OF
THE NEBRASKA CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
On October 24, 2007, the Nebraska Supreme Court adopted
amendments to worksheets 1 through 4 of the Nebraska Child Support
Guidelines. The Child Support worksheet amendments are posted at
the link below. The actual worksheets will be updated early next
week.
http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/rules/amendments/childsuppwkshtamds.pdf
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THE
JUDICIAL STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION TASK FORCE
The Judicial Structure and Administration Task Force was charged
to examine options and opportunities for the judicial system
to more efficiently utilize resources while preserving the core
legal values of accountability, access, fairness and efficiency.
The Task Force was divided into four subcommittees that examined:
1) the jurisdiction of the courts, 2) the boundaries of the state’s
judicial districts, 3) the feasibility and utility of court consolidation,
and 4) technological upgrades required pursuant to recommended
court reforms. On October 18, 2007 the House of Delegates accepted the /Final Report/ of the
Judicial Structure and Administration Task Force and adopted
the Task Force recommendations. The report and recommendations
are available via this link:
http://www.nebar.com/pdfs/mjic/JSATF_FinalReport_October2007_2.pdf
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RULES FOR THE REDACTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM CIVIL COURT
DOCUMENTS
The Nebraska Supreme Court invites interested persons to
comment on the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Petition to Adopt
Rules for the Redaction of Personal Information From Civil Court
Documents, S-36-06002, and the proposed request for amendment
of such petition filed on September 26, 2007.
Comments on the proposed rules, which include Neb. C t. R. of
Dist. Cts. 21 and Appendix 3, as well as Neb. C t. R. of Cty.
Cts. 64 (options 1 and 2), should be made in writing to the office
of the Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, P.O.
Box 98910, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-8910, or via e-mail to lasmussen@nsc.state.ne.us,
no later than December 14, 2007. T he rules are available for
review on the Nebraska Supreme Court’s Web site by clicking on
the link below.
http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/rules/amendments/scNotice26.pdf
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BAR DIRECTORY DEADLINE
The deadline of November 1, 2007 to make address changes
for the NSBA Directory is absolutely firm. If information is
not
in our
hands
by that
date,
it will not be included in the 2008 NSBA directory.
Printing the directory is a huge undertaking, and once it goes
to press, we cannot make changes. We know that you appreciate
and understand the absolute necessity of submitting your changes
promptly.
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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
The Federal Public Defender is accepting applications for
a fellowship as an
Assistant Federal Public Defender
in Omaha, Nebraska starting
on or after December 3, 2007. This position is intended for attorneys with less than
three years of experience. Annual salary range is $47,000 to $57,000 depending upon experience.
The fellowship allows relatively new attorneys to become thoroughly
familiar with federal criminal defense. The fellowship
attorney will attend
the two week criminal defense training in Macon, Georgia as well as periodic training available
to
Assistant Federal Public Defenders. Extensive training and mentoring will be provided
to the fellowship attorney by
the experienced trial attorneys in the office. This is a one year position with the possibility of a one year
extension. Primary
consideration will be given to individuals who have a demonstrated
commitment to the representation of indigent individuals
accused of committing
crimes and who express a desire to remain in Nebraska and practice federal criminal defense
after
completion of the fellowship. Fluency in Spanish is helpful, but not required.
The successful candidate will
be subject to a background check as a condition of employment. Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter,
and
list of three references to David R. Stickman, Federal Public Defender, 222 S. 15th Street,
Suite 300N, Omaha NE
68102. Application deadline is November 16, 2007. Please, no
telephone inquiries.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
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45TH ANNUAL GREAT PLAINS FEDERAL TAX INSTITUTE
The 45th Annual Great Plains Federal Tax Institute is
November 29 and 30, 2007 at the
Embassy Suites Omaha – Downtown/Old Market at
555 South 10th Street in Omaha. Click
here for additional information.
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NEBRASKA LAW COLLEGE-PROJECT WISHLIST
The Student Bar Association (SBA) at the University of Nebraska
College of Law, in conjunction with Heartland Big Brothers Big
Sisters, organizes an annual event called "Project Wishlist" to
provide needy children with holiday gifts (i.e. necessities such
as shoes, winter jackets, clothing, etc.) that their families
otherwise cannot provide.
The SBA is currently
raising money for Project Wishlist. On November 17, 2007, volunteers
from the law college will take
the children "shopping" at Gordman's Department store
in Lincoln. The management at Gordman's has given us a 20% discount
on all items the children purchase during Project Wishlist.
In 2005, the SBA raised enough money to provide each of around
30 needy children with $100 of spending money, all of which the
children spent on necessities, rather than on toys or luxury
items.
Donations for this year's Project Wishlist are welcom and extremely
appreciated in any amount! The SBA hopes to get information about
the project to as many people as possible; please pass on this
information to co-workers, family, friends and clients. Please
send any donations to:
SBA
Project Wishlist
University of Nebraska College of Law
P.O. Box 830902
Lincoln, NE 68583-0902
Checks are payable
to "Big Brothers Big Sisters." Thank
you for you holiday spirit!"
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SARPY COUNTY COURT JUDGE TODD HUTTON AWARDED DISTINGUISHED JUDGE
FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
County
Court Judge Todd Hutton of Papillion was awarded the Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community Award on
Thursday, October
18, 2007. The award, presented by Chief Justice Mike Heavican, is the
highest honor
given by the
Nebraska Supreme Court recognizing members of the judiciary for meritorious projects and exemplary
accomplishments that
enhance the vision of justice within Nebraska communities.
Judge Hutton was nominated
for his determination in the establishment of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation’s
PEOPLE committee and his
leadership of its
Media Subcommittee. The Public Education Outreach Promoting the
Law &
Equity (PEOPLE)
Committee was established to help judges and lawyers develop skills in public outreach, community collaboration,
community leadership, and public service.
The committee is structured
to include equal numbers of attorneys and judges working together to meet the educational needs
of the
public regarding
the Judicial Branch. In establishing the committee, Judge Hutton formulated a plan
to focus on
outreach to
teachers and news reporters as the two groups who have the greatest ability to impart knowledge to a large
segment of Nebraskans.
Judge Hutton, who
has less than 10 years on the bench, has volunteered many of his evenings and weekends designing
various law-related projects including
the establishment of the PEOPLE committee. In presenting the award, Chief Justice
Heavican thanked Judge
Hutton for his
dedication to the legal profession and his creativity in public outreach.
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COUNTY COURT JUDGES CURTIS MASCHMAN AND PATRICK MCDERMOTT AWARDED
DISTINGUISHED JUDGE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
County Court Judge Curt Maschman of the 1st Judicial
District and County Court Judge Pat McDermott of the 5th
Judicial District were
jointly awarded the Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judiciary Award
on Thursday,
October 18,
2007. The award, presented by Chief Justice Mike Heavican, is the highest honor given by the Nebraska
Supreme Court recognizing
members of the
judiciary for meritorious projects and exemplary accomplishments
that enhance the vision of justice within Nebraska communities.
Judges Maschman and
McDermott were honored for their innovation and assistance in developing portions of the
computer system used
in Nebraska’s trial
courts. The two judges have been diligently working together
since
1999 on the
Supreme Court Automation Advisory Committee. Both judges were instrumental in the development of the
DOCKET program, and recognized
early on that
they could assist with improving accuracy and efficiency through
the use of computers
and the standardization of proceedings. Both adapted their courtrooms to the system, taking the time
to iron out
problems and implement improvements before moving forward.
Pat McDermott has
an extensive background in computer programming through his previous employment as a programmer-analyst,
writing systems
for NASA and
others. Curt Maschman has proved himself to be an excellent computer user who instinctively knows
how to make programs work easily
and adapt them
to the court system. Each of these judges uses their unique talents to improve
the
effectiveness and
efficiency of the computer programs produced through the Supreme
Court. In bestowing the awards,
Chief Justice Heavican remarked that
it is the dedication of Judges Maschman and McDermott that has inspired
the JUSTICE
team to move
rapidly and successfully toward their release of new computer projects.
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RULE AMENDMENTS: UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW, SECOND JUDICIAL
DISTRICT COURT
On October 16, the Nebraska Supreme
Court approved rule changes for the District Court of the Second
Judicial District, Rules 2-2 and 2-9
View on the Judicial Branch Web site:
http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/rules/amendments/2dJudDistAmds.pdf
October 10, 2007 the Court adopted Rules Governing the Unauthorized
Practice of Law
View on the Judicial Branch Web site:
http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/rules/amendments/UPL.pdf.
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ABA TECHSHOW
The Nebraska State Bar Association is a program promoter
for the 2008 ABA Techshow. Please use the code PP804 when registering
to receive your $100 discount. For additional information
go to http://www.techshow.com
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JUDICIAL RESOURCES COMMISSION TO MEET ON NOVEMBER 14, 2007
Link to on-line press release:
http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/press/2007-releases/jrc-111407-annual%20meeting.pdf
Link to map of county court judicial districts:
http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/county-court/Coun-courts-map.shtml?sub4
The Judicial Resources Commission will hold its annual meeting
pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat.
§ 24-1205 to determine whether (1) a new judgeship is appropriate
in any judicial district or a reduction in judgeships is appropriate
in any judicial district, or (2) the judicial district boundaries
or the number of judicial districts should be changed for the
district or county courts. The Commission shall also examine
current caseload statistics and make any appropriate recommendations
for the more balanced use of existing judicial resources.
The Commission will discuss the report and recommendations of
the Judicial Structure and Administration Task Force.
The Commission will also discuss the specific scenarios of moving
the county court for Saunders County from the 5th Judicial District
to the 2nd Judicial District and moving the county court for
Colfax County from the 5th Judicial District to the 6th Judicial
District as set out in the report of the Judicial Structure and
Administration Task Force.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2007, at
9:30 a.m., central time.
The hearing will be held via video conferencing from the State
Capitol Building, Room 1525, Lincoln, Nebraska, and will include
participation from the Panhandle Research & Extension Center,
Center, 4502 Ave. I, High Plains Room, Scottsbluff, Nebraska,
and from the State Office Building, Room 207, Second Floor, 1313
Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska.
Following the hearing, the commission will make a recommendation
to the Legislature of its determination.
Commission members are:
Supreme Court Justice Michael McCormack, Chairperson Alan L.
Brodbeck, O'Neill Robert P. Chaloupka, Scottsbluff Robert B.
O'Neal, Papillion Riko E. Bishop, Lincoln Thomas F. Hoarty, Omaha
Ronald Furse, Aurora Jolanda J. Kuzma, Lincoln Nicole R. Neesen,
Omaha Jane Morgan, Gordon Mark M. Sipple, Columbus Gerald E.
Moran, Omaha Robert J. Parker, Hastings Margie A. Smith, Bellevue
Patricia McQuillan, Greeley Sharlon Rodgers, Omaha D. Paul Hartnett,
Bellevue
Any member of the public is entitled to attend the Nebraska
Judicial Resources Commission hearing in Room 1525 of the State
Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska, and present, either orally or in
writing, any pertinent information concerning the existence of
a judicial vacancy. If anyone wishes to present written material
at the hearing, a copy of such material should be furnished to
the Chairperson at least one week prior to the hearing.
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