Examples of Implemented Goals
Jury
In January, 2000 the court instituted a one day-one trial jury service policy. This policy provides that prospective jurors only need to appear for service for one day or, if selected to hear a trial, for the duration of that one trial. This avoids weeks of uncertainty for jurors and employers regarding when jury service begins and ends. The California Legislature, with the support of the Alameda County Superior Court, passed, and the Governor signed, legislation increasing the fee paid to jurors from $5.00 per day, to $15.00 per day. The Alameda County Superior Court is participating in a joint effort of Bay Area courts to secure free or reduced cost public transportation options for jurors to travel to and from jury duty. The California Administrative Office of the Courts recently completed taping of a juror information videotape which will assist jurors in understanding the court system and the role of jurors. The taping was done at the Rene C. Davidson courthouse in Oakland.Education/Community Outreach
In May, 2000 a public information station was opened and the Rene C. Davidson courthouse. The station is staffed by volunteers who have been trained by court staff to provide directions and information to the many daily visitors to the court. This station is being conducted as a pilot project and is expected to be expanded to other locations in the year 2001. During the past school year the court established an education program for students at the Bret Harte Middle School in Oakland. The curriculum provided educational opportunities for students in such areas as drug courts, vehicle law, family law, and the law as a career. Plans are underway to provide this program again this school year at Bret Harte and to expand it to include Canyon Middle School in Castro Valley.Modernization
In January, 2000 the telephone system which the public uses to reach the court was upgraded to provide faster and better service. Recorded responses were modified to provide consistent information countywide while allowing for individual court-by-court information for each location. This interactive voice response system is controlled by a single computer located in the Alameda County Data Processing Department.FOR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE ALAMEDA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT STRATEGIC PLAN, CONTACT:
TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR
661 WASHINGTON ST
OAKLAND, CA 94601
