Kelly Riley, Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution, once again joins Your Nebraska Judicial Branch. She discusses the life-changing power of restorative justice, delving both into its philosophy, as well as practical applications.

A new episode of Your Nebraska Judicial Branch has been released featuring Kelly Riley, Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution. Listen in as she describes the mediation process, and why it is such a powerful tool for parties engaging with the judicial system. In addition, Riley discusses the role of mediators in developing parenting plans, and delves into the philosophy of mediation.

The Nebraska Judicial Branch has created a new, ongoing podcast, entitled Your Nebraska Judicial Branch. The impactful and diverse work of the Branch will be highlighted through interviews with staff and administrators. In conjunction with Nebraska Probation week, the inaugural episode is an interview with State Probation Administrator Deborah Minardi. During the podcast Minardi reflects on how she came to be called to her career in probation, changes in the system throughout her career, as well as the role probation has in transforming lives.

The Administrative Office of Courts and Probation is proud to mark Nebraska Probation Week 2020 with the debut of a video testimony of the power of probation. Throughout the state, probation personnel tirelessly strive toward the goal of one less crime, one less victim, one step closer to safer communities.

Click here to watch “The Power of Probation”
Transcript available.
 

Nebraska’s State Court engagement sessions with Tribal and Federal Courts were featured in an online education session through the National Center for State Courts. The “Community Engagement, Trust and Confidence: Engaging, Listening and Improving Justice for All” session held July 14, 2020, featured Chief Justice Michael Heavican and State Court Administrator Corey Steel along with other state court program sponsors in Missouri, Texas, and Massachusetts. 

Below is the Administrative Order signed June 30, 2020, by Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican regarding Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19 Disease.

Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican authored a letter to Nebraska’s legal community and court family outlining the duty of the Judicial Branch to continuously reach toward the State’s motto of “Equality Before the Law.”

He recounted some recent accomplishments of the Branch, noting that he is proud of the significant role Nebraska’s courts have had in fulfilling the mission of equality, including: 

Planning Ahead for Thayer County Wedding

(photo to right)

Clerk Magistrate Vicki L. Jarchow said, “I do” when asked if she could perform a wedding ceremony during the height of the Coronavirus and Nebraska’s Directed Health Measures. Jarchow worked with Thayer County Officials to provide the bride and groom a lovely wedding venue and ceremony while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. 

Nebraska’s Judicial Branch plays a vital role in the life of every Nebraskan.

While some of our physical spaces have been forced to shutter by the coronavirus, the work of Nebraska’s courts, probation offices, and all programming has continued. The essential functions of the Judicial Branch move forward despite the physical limitations of Directed Health Measures.

May is National Drug Court Month.  All month long Nebraska problem-solving courts join more than 4,000 treatment courts across the country to celebrate lives, families, and resources saved by this vital justice reform. In his signed Proclamation Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed the Month of May 2020 as Drug Court Month in Nebraska.