Published: September 30, 2008 01:49 pm      

Florida Supreme Court committee coming here

A Florida Supreme Court committee is holding meetings in nine cities around the state, and Live Oak's on the list. The committee will be at the Suwannee River Regional Library from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 22.

The committee invites citizens and public officials to share their thoughts on trends and conditions that might impact the ability of the courts to operate over the next 20 years. Members are looking at how the courts will be impacted by population growth, changes in demographics and societal trends, economic changes and new technology.

One of the aims is to better serve Spanish speaking citizens, said Steve Henley, senior court operations consultant for the office of the state courts administrator in Pensacola.

Henley said the Supreme Court wants to respond to local needs to help improve the efficiency of the court system. One way to do that is through new technology.

"Technology can be a real lifesaver for rural counties," Henley said.

One example is Internet-based technology that would save time and money by

having persons involved in a court case participate in the process in a lawyer's office via the Internet rather than traveling, perhaps some distance, to a courtroom.

Henley said the committee chose to stop in Live Oak because of its rural status and location.

The committee is also visiting Pensacola, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Port St. Lucie, Ft. Myers and Sanford.