Justice Jeffrey Funke, Judge Todd Hutton, and Retired Judge Gary Randall took part in a webinar hosted by the University Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism, Nebraska Public Media, and the State of Nebraska Judicial Branch. The webinar event entitled “Covering Nebraska Courts: Get it fast, get it right, stay out of trouble” centered on how to effectively report on court proceedings and included suggestions on ways journalists can best work with the courts in covering anything from high profile cases to arraignments.

A copy of the recording is found here: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/media/reporting

Hutton began the webinar by introducing his vision for the integration of media in Nebraska courts. Hutton noted, “The greater understanding a reporter has regarding the business of the courts, the greater understanding the public will have as well.” He emphasized the importance of civic education of the public and recognized the media as an essential conduit for disseminating civic education.

Randall offered “tips from the bench,” providing suggestions to media members regarding how to best work with judges. Randall is known for his innovation in opening the court as fully as possible to media members. He would often allow the press to visit the courtroom after-hours to take pictures of evidence received by the court earlier in the day. Randall’s goal and the goal of the court today is to de-mystify the Judicial Branch in the eyes of the public by increasing media awareness of the court and openly sharing as much information about a trial or court proceeding as possible.

Funke provided extensive input to questions that arose throughout the webinar and gave closing comments. Funke provided media members and webinar participants with helpful tips, crucial insight into the court’s operation, and clarification on court rules pertaining to media presence in the courtroom. He also laid out his vision for the media and public to better understand court processes through the court’s efforts to become a more transparent government branch. Funke co-chairs the Uniform Court Rules and Practices working group of the PEOPLE Committee, which strives to proactively manage access issues with the court system.

Media Coordinators and court staff can receive Judicial Branch Education credits for watching the educational video. (Staff must be logged into the INTRANET website to link to the Instructions for Outside Learning Requests.)