Luzerne County Courts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

From: Chester B. Muroski, President Judge on behalf of all members of the 11th Judicial District of Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County

MEDIA RELEASE: July 14, 2009
The Luzerne County Court en banc, with 8 members attending, announces the following:

LUZERNE COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
HUMAN RESOURCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

The Court en banc approved an amendment to the Court’s Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual relating to court-appointed employees who have been charged with criminal conduct relating to his/her employment with the Court. The amendment is as follows:

(c) Any court-appointed employee who resigns his/her position while under suspension without pay as a result of being charged with criminal conduct related to his/her employment with the Court, shall be deemed “terminated” as defined in the court’s and the county’s personnel policy.

CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER

The Court en banc authorized the posting of the Chief Probation Officer position at a salary that will vary depending upon the qualifications and employment history of the selected candidate. This posting is in accordance with Section 306 of the Court’s Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual, a copy of which is attached hereto.

HAZLETON LAUREL GARDENS CONTAMINATION CASE

The President Judge, in an effort to facilitate the ultimate disposition of more than 1,000 pending civil actions involving regarding the Hazleton “Laurel Gardens” contamination matters, signed an Order assigning the Honorable Joseph J. Musto to take necessary action to bring these matters to an expeditious conclusion. A copy of said Order is attached.

CONSOLIDATED JUVENILE COURT

The court is establishing a consolidated juvenile court to address the problems of children and families. Both juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency cases will be heard under the structure of a consolidated juvenile court. The Court’s mission will be to protect the community, protect children, promote strong families and promote child well being. Delinquency cases involve children who have committed delinquent acts whereas the child dependency system protects child safety and well being from physical neglect and abuse - including sexual victimization and emotional neglect and abuse. It will be the goal of the consolidated juvenile court that every child shall have the opportunity to reach his/her full potential as individuals.

The court shall begin operations in September of 2009. Judge David Lupas will preside.

MEETING OF THE COURT EN BANC

The next meeting of the Court en banc with lunch is August 4, 2009 at noon.