When St. Joseph Circuit Court Judge Michael Gotsch recently welcomed members of the press into his courtroom, he said: “Come sit in the jury box, take the best seats in the room.” Judge Gotsch and Court Administrator Lisa Plencner organized an orientation for the press at the request of the local Law & Media Committee, which is an initiative of the St. Joseph County Bar Association, the county judiciary and the local media. The half-day session on February 13th drew about thirty media members.
St. Joseph Circuit Court Administrator Plencner provided information and answered questions about press credentials for courthouse access. She outlined the procedure for requesting and renewing a press ID card. “Our county prohibits electronic devices inside the courthouses; but, we do have exceptions for credentialed media. So we took this opportunity to remind the press of the reasons for our rules and also to provide them with the press pass renewal application form.”
The session included a presentation on the local courts and programming as well as details on how to cover the Indiana Supreme Court. “We want reporters and editors to understand the caseloads of the local and appellate courts and to have resources available to answer their questions,” said Judge Gotsch.
St. Joseph Superior Court Chief Judge Michael Scopelitis, St. Joseph County Clerk Terri Rethlake, and I also participated in the presentations.
The orientation ended with a tour of the court facilities. Judge Gotsch proudly showed reporters the 1896 Courthouse and the 1855 Courthouse. “We also used the tour as an opportunity to showcase the adjacent criminal courts facility, which is under construction.”
Television and newspaper reporters and editors had an opportunity at the orientation to ask questions and learn about court programming without a deadline looming. Those in attendance appreciated the chance to spend a few hours brushing up on their court knowledge as reporters rarely have an opportunity for continuing education.