MEETING MINUTES

Monday, July 14, 2003

Present were: Judge Smith, Judge Brown, Joseph Campagna, Richard Gray, Charles F. Greevy III, William Knecht, Edward Mitchell, Joy Reynolds McCoy, Jason Poplaski, Joseph Rider, and Gary Weber.

President Judge Smith discussed judicial assignments for 2004. Judge Brown and Judge Butts will have criminal cases. Judge Anderson and Judge Kieser will have civil cases. The new judge will have family court.

In the absence of Judge Kieser, who is on vacation, Judge Smith discussed a divorce prevention program for which the ABA has a curriculum for high school classes. Judge Kieser would like to consider presenting the program in the area high schools.

The Judges have decided guidelines for approving attorneys fees in minor settlements will be 25% of settlements up to $150,000 and 20% of the amounts in excess thereof. Each case will, however, be handled on a fact specific basis.

Judge Brown discussed a plan for having dates certain for civil jury trials beginning after the January 2004 term. All juries would be selected in a two day period on dates prior to the trial terms. Juries would be drawn using both civil judges.

The actual dates for pretrials, jury selection and trials were discussed.

A meeting is scheduled for August 8 to discuss the proposal. Attorneys who try civil jury trials are encouraged to attend and participate in the meeting.

The dates are attached.

• March 2004 term – Trials March 8-26; pretrial conferences February 2-10; jury selection February 18-19;
• May 2004 term – Trial May 10-28; pretrial conference April 12-16; jury selection April 26-27
• June 2004 term – Trial June 7-25; pretrial conference May 3-7; jury selection June 1-2
• September 2004 term – Trial September 13-October 1; pretrial conferences August 10-13 and 16; jury selection August 23-24
• October 2004 term – Trial October 25-November 12; pretrial conferences September 7-10; jury selection October 7-8

Joe Rider – There is a new statute providing for decisions precluding resuscitation at 20 Pa.C.S.A. § 54(a)(01).

Charles F. Greevy III and Richard Gray each thanked the Committee for including them so that whoever is elected can be current on matters under discussion.

Jason Poplaski discussed changes to the Criminal Code pertaining to sentencing for date rape and child rape. He also announced that there are two new members of the Public Defender’s Office which brings that office to full strength.

Gary Weber, President, reported that the Law Association Strategic Planning Committee is discussing the possibility of recommending employment of an executive director. He also reminded everyone of the Bar picnic and encouraged everyone to attend.

Others present had no issues to report.

Respectfully submitted,

C. Edward S. Mitchell, Chairman