“All courts shall be open” states Article 1 Sec 12 of the Indiana Constitution. Clark County Circuit Court Judge Dan Moore has taken those words literally. Since taking office in January he has begun a unique outreach and educational program called “Riding the Circuit.” It has grown in interest and impact in the Clark County area.
“In my years of practice I saw how the general public, even in civil disputes, viewed the courts with mystery and, sometimes, great fear. I believe that our justice system is a way to find the truth and it should not be ominous or mysterious. This program is designed to pull back the curtain and explain in a down-to-earth way how we help all of our citizens” said Judge Moore.
Riding the Circuit has dispelled some of the mysteries of the justice system. Judge Moore has travelled to different parts of the Circuit (county) meeting with civic groups, youth groups and high school students to talk informally about the workings of the courts. He presents the courts as problem-solvers and more than a place to dispense punishment in high-profile criminal trials. He wants people to know that the courts are open to all citizens and tries to accomplish this through informality and repetition of this theme.
When he meets with youth groups he explains the need to make good choices and emphasizes that choices do lead to consequences. He sits in a chair in the middle of the group and never uses a podium or speaker station. He often says “let’s talk here about options so I don’t have to see you later when you are in trouble and standing in front of me. Talking time might be over if you get in front of me downtown.”
Moore’s presentations to young groups also focus on the dignity of all post-high school careers and the need to obtain skills and education to provide individual and family economic support. The judge often asks a probation officer or other local official to accompany him to talk about a career path within the corrections system.
Moore observes that young people today, through rapidly expanding sources available on the internet, have much more information than was the case for prior generations. “Our challenge is to be a part of helping young people sort out the mass of information and plan a safe and secure life,” he said.
He has addressed meetings of adults where he also uses his informal presentation style. At a recent Optimist Club dinner in Jeffersonville, he explained the differences among the types of courts within the judicial system and discussed the mechanics of the court operations. Many in these audiences have raised their children and are nearing retirement. They ask questions about people in the news who are in jail, how the bail system works, and about neighborhood safety. Those who are in their 30s or 40s have different concerns and many inquire about the need for a lawyer in uncomplicated disputes. Based on his observations travelling the circuit, he believes that self-represented litigants will surge in future years and will not be confined to the indigent.
On April 23 the Clark Circuit Court Riding the Circuit program hosted over 100 people, including boy scouts and parents, for a Merit Badge education session and (surprise) Mock Trial. A sudden crime of purse-snatching occurred in the gallery in the midst of the presentation on court operations. The “crime” was staged by volunteer local detectives and lawyers. The “victim” was a lawyer dressed as a little old lady. Judge Moore recessed the session after the county sheriff announced the “suspects” had been arrested. The proceeding moved from a conference room to the Circuit Courtroom.
Boy Scout shadows worked with prosecutors, defense lawyers, the sheriff, and the bailiff. Twelve Boy Scouts sat as the jury, and their focus was to identify the purse-snatcher. There was a line-up, closing arguments, jury instructions and jury deliberation for twenty minutes that resulted in a hung jury.
Judge Moore answered many questions from parents and scouts, and received positive comments on how the Mock Trial reflected “the system” in operation.
Forty-four area leaders from business, clergy, local bar and education have volunteered to serve on the Advisory Board of the Riding the Circuit information and outreach program. These volunteers reflect many people in the community who are willing to give time to help the court become less mysterious. “This works because of the support, ideas and help from these dedicated community leaders” the judge said.
