Phase One: Welcome From the Chief Justice Welcome I am pleased to welcome each of you to this historic gathering for the judicial system in California. This conference represents the first time on a statewide level that the courts in California have gathered with members of the public, local government and local bar leaders, to address the many challenges that we currently face in the fair and effective administration of justice in California. It is important to remember that this conference is not an isolated event; rather it serves as the launch for the new Community-Focused court planning process that will continue for years to come. Through this conference and the ongoing planning process, California is once again leading the nation. Judicial and other leaders from around the United States are very interested in the conference and the results that will be produced from it. Statewide Commitment to Improving the Administration of Justice During my visits to the courts in all fifty-eight counties of California last year, I frequently met not only with local judges and court executives, but also with members of the local bar and representatives of local government. I was deeply touched and strongly encouraged by the deep and abiding commitment to improving the administration of justice that I witnessed at every stop and in every segment of the community. This conference is an excellent avenue for harnessing some of the enthusiasm and innovation that I directly experienced at the community level. Public Trust and Confidence Two important principles form the foundation for this conference. First, to be effective, courts must have the confidence of those they serve. As the Judicial Council recognizes in its Long-Range Strategic Plan, Leading Justice Into the Future, it is imperative that the courts "increase public trust and understanding by emphasizing community outreach and education about the court system." Second, the courts need to engage in effective statewide planning so that they can not only be responsive to the communities they serve, but also ensure equal access to justice statewide. To do this, the courts must successfully advocate the public's justice system needs to the other branches of government to obtain needed resources and to demonstrate that the judicial branch has the capacity and willingness to manage its own affairs in a responsible manner. The Conference With support from a grant by the State Justice Institute, the Judicial Council is sponsoring this first-ever statewide Community-Focused Court Planning Conference to: Provide a forum and model for joint investment in the improvement of the court system by the courts, the legal community, and the public; Provide education on effective strategic and action planning methods; Expose participants to creative model community outreach programs from around California and the United States; and . Develop in team members the skills to initiate, implement, and institutionalize Community-Focused court planning in their home communities. Significant Changes Being Faced by California's Courts The Judicial Council and I are keenly aware of the significant changes that we are asking of the courts by creating these county teams, and by designing and presenting this conference. Those changes include, among many others, asking the courts to: Begin local planning that will be integrally connected with the budget development process; Plan at a countywide level; Involve the public in court planning; and Increase community outreach and education efforts. Striking the Balance in Community Involvement The enactment of the landmark Trial Court Funding Act last year has given California's judiciary a unique opportunity to plan for a future in which stable funding will be a reality. Those of you here from the courts, I ask your understanding and support as we move through what may seem like some difficult changes in the way the courts do business. Those of you who are participating as local government, local bar, and public team members, I ask your understanding and support in recognizing that there are legitimate limitations to the role of the public in court management and decision-making. While the public will not be directly involved in or responsible for development of court budgets, public input to the planning process will relate directly to ensuring and revitalizing the independence of the judicial branch of government in California during this important time of transition to state funding. Together we will find the appropriate balance for public input in improving this necessarily independent branch of government. Benefits of Community-Focused Court Planning There are significant benefits that the courts and their communities will realize by undertaking this court planning effort. First, by providing a forum in which court users can inform the courts about their interests and needs, the courts will encourage discussions that can uncover shared objectives, provide new insight into the appropriate limitations on the role of the courts, and give courts a clearer view of the impact of their practices on the public. In return, the public can gain a better understanding of the importance of community participation through jury service, volunteer programs, and other avenues of public involvement - and of the essential role that a strong and independent court system plays in our society. A second benefit is judicial branch leadership. By taking the lead in planning activities, the judiciary will exercise its leadership by setting the direction and establishing priorities for changes in the administration of justice. By including and encouraging continuing community participation, the judiciary will be reaffirming in concrete terms its commitment to remaining accountable for its actions in managing the courts. Conclusion This conference launches a new era of collaboration between county courts, the Judicial Council, and California's communities that will lead to a renewal of public trust and confidence in the administration of justice and the primacy of the rule of law in California. Your county team's participation is crucial to the success of this statewide court planning effort. Thank you for your willingness to make this vital contribution to renew public trust and confidence in the justice system.