News

News

January 4, 2019
Judge of the County Court, 4th Judicial District, Lawrence E. Barrett, is retiring January 31, 2019. In his letter to the Governor and the Chief Justice, Barrett wrote, “It has been my privilege to serve the citizens of Nebraska for over 24 years.” He continued, “I have had the greatest respect for the law and its unbiased application to all parties that appeared before me.” Barrett also expressed his appreciation for the county court support staff who, he noted, have enabled him to provide "...Read more
December 26, 2018
Through a newly developed mobile application, probation officers and staff will be able to view client information when away from their desks. The information includes: addresses, phone numbers, school and employment information, drug tests, sanctions, latest assessment scores, hazards, and other case management information. They will also be able to enter notes in the field, as well as sanctions, drug tests, and generate maps with directions to their next appointment locations. The Probation...Read more
Photo: Problem-Solving Court Judge Tom Otepka (right) with December graduate.
December 21, 2018
The Douglas County District Court Adult Drug Court celebrated its 103rd Commencement on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. To graduate participants must have demonstrated sustained abstinence from the use of controlled substances and alcohol; satisfactorily participated in a substance-abuse treatment program; completed educational and employment objectives established by the Adult Drug Court’s clinical staff; and participated in frequent performance reviews. Six participants were recognized for...Read more
December 21, 2018
Nebraska’s Language Access Committee, under the leadership of Justice Jeff Funke, completed an in-depth review of the Supreme Court Rules on Court Interpreters – specifically the requirements for certification and the interpreter disciplinary process. The review process began with an analysis of existing rule language and a full discussion of the Committee’s goals for rule revisions. The process culminated in amendments to interpreter certification and interpreter discipline rules, as well as...Read more
December 20, 2018
The Administrative Office of Probation-Juvenile Services Division is releasing the third annual Detailed Analysis. The publication provides updated data and progress regarding the Juvenile Justice Reform Initiative from July 2017 to June 2018. The Nebraska Juvenile Probation System continues to focus on supervision strategies and services which support youth and families in making long-lasting behavior change. The current publication includes focus areas reported in previous years including...Read more
National Adoption Day participants
December 20, 2018
Only Michigan, Texas and Washington engaged in more celebrations than Nebraska, according to the events listed on the NationalAdoptionDay.org events webpage. Nebraska held Adoption Day celebrations in eight communities across the state. Two counties, Lancaster and Lincoln, celebrated on November 3, and events in Omaha, Norfolk, Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney occurred on November 17, the day generally recognized as National Adoption Day. Scottsbluff held their event on December 8, this year...Read more
Corey Steel addresses senators.
December 20, 2018
Nebraska’s newest state senators were welcomed to the Supreme Court Courtroom following their legislative orientation on December 3, 2018. Supreme Court Justices, accompanied by Nebraska State Court Administrator Corey Steel, provided a brief welcome and overview of the judicial branch. Senators were reminded that their local judge would soon be calling to offer a visit to the trial court within their legislative district. Following the overview program inside the courtroom, senators were given...Read more
November 26, 2018
The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court serving Hamilton and Merrick Counties held its graduation ceremony and celebration on November 5, 2018, and the York County 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court held its graduation on November 13, 2018. For Drug Court graduates, the ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive drug treatment, close supervision, and full accountability. Drug Court is a minimum 18-month program where participants learn the skills to...Read more
Schulyer oral arguments
November 21, 2018
Students at Schuyler Central High School were invited to ask questions of the Nebraska Supreme Court during a November visit to their school – and they did not hold back. The first student to approach the Court had to set aside his original inquiry regarding TransCanada when he realized the justices couldn’t discuss a pending case. He said that he did not want to go easy on the Court so he asked another question: “I understand you have dealt with a lot of emotional cases, how do you set aside...Read more
Adoption Day Courtroom
November 19, 2018
Lancaster and Lincoln Counties both held events on Saturday, November 3, celebrating National Adoption Day. Lancaster County Juvenile Court participated in their 14th consecutive National Adoption Day celebration, hosted by the Honorable Reggie Ryder, Separate Juvenile Court Judge, Lancaster County. They finalized 37 adoptions at the Lancaster County Justice and Law Enforcement Center in Lincoln and provided refreshments and fun activities, such as balloon artists, face painting, photo booth,...Read more

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