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: September 9, 2009

The Luzerne County Court en banc following its recent meeting, with 8 members attending, announces the following:

DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATOR

Joseph Mittleman, Director of Judicial Programs for the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) attended the meeting to discuss the Court Administrator’s position. He stated that the Chief Justice and the State Court Administrator must approve the person selected to fill the position. He reviewed the minimum requirements for the position. He noted that the Open Records and Sunshine Laws do not apply to the courts and the names and applications are not subject to public disclosure. It would not be appropriate to disclose such information because the disclosure could adversely affect a person’s present employment. This confidentiality is also required under the State Employees’ Manual.

The AOPC will be scheduling interviews and Mr. Mittleman will be present at those interviews. All inquiries will be directed to him.

CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER

Judge Muroski noted that four applications for Chief Probation Officer have been received and interviews will be scheduled for all four applicants. Applications are subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Court of Common Pleas Human Resource Policy and Procedural Manual.

COMMONWEALTH V. BANKS

Defense Counsel requested that Judge Muroski not take further action until the Petition for Rehearing is decided by the Supreme Court.

JURY COMMISSION

Judge Muroski announced that a meeting of the Luzerne County Jury Commission will be convened on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.

NOTICE TO THE BAR

Judge Augello will prepare an advertisement to solicit letters of interest from lawyers who wish to be considered for appointment in serving as Masters in Divorce; Guardians Ad Litem in private custody matters; counsel in cases involving termination of parental rights and child dependency actions. Letters of interest will be submitted to the District Court Administrator and forwarded to the Court for review.