DATE:  February 17, 2005                                   CONTACT: Laura Kiernan 
                                                                                                 Judicial Branch Communications Office
                                                                                                 603-271-2646 ext 359

  Judge Awarded Scholarship from State Justice Institute

          CONCORD—Superior Court Judge John M. Lewis has been awarded a scholarship from the State Justice Institute to attend a week-long course designed to offer judges an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of their practical courtroom skills, including efficient case scheduling and innovative jury management.

           Entitled  “Enhancing Judicial Bench Skills,“ the course will be conducted from February 19-24 in San Diego by faculty from the National Judicial College, the nation’s leading institution for judicial education. Other issues to be addressed during the sessions include management of pro se litigants, media relations, note taking, making a record and ethical issues.

          "Given the Superior Court’s recent decision to implement a statewide individual docketing system for cases, and with the consequent need for the most effective judicial management, I see this course as a real advantage,” Judge Lewis said.  

          Judge Lewis was named to the Superior Court bench in 2001 by then Gov. Jeanne Shaheen. He has presided in both the trial court and the family division.

        The State Justice Institute (SJI) is a non-profit organization, established by Federal law to award grants to improve the quality of justice in State courts nationwide, facilitate better coordination between State and Federal courts, and foster innovative, efficient solutions to common problems faced by all courts. More information about the institute is available on the SJI website (http://www.statejustice.org).

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