House Journal: Page 71: Wednesday, January 10, 2001
During the last decade, nothing transformed our world more than information
technology. With your support and with the vision and hard work of many, the Judicial
Branch harnessed technology to improve the administration of justice.
We computerized nearly every facet of Iowa’s court system and connected all clerk
of court offices and administrative offices to a statewide network. In doing so, we
gained substantial management and case processing efficiencies, increased
productivity, and facilitated communication. Our court information system is the model
and envy of many states.
But we did not stop there.
We worked hand in hand with other government entities, including the Department
of Transportation, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public
Safety, and the Department of Revenue and Finance to electronically link our
computer system with theirs. Through these links, we easily move mountains of
information without paper, postage, or delay. These partnerships have improved a wide
range of government services and made new services possible.
These innovations are only the beginning. We can and must do more.
BRINGING THE COURTS TO THE PUBLIC
With the aid of information technology, we can provide a host of court services
where they are needed, when they are needed, any time and any place. We have the
momentum to do this now.
WEBSITE (www.judicial.state.ia.us)
We took a step in this direction in 1998 with the creation of the Iowa Judicial
Branch Web Site. Our site is first and foremost a public information tool. It houses an
array of useful information about the courts and the legal system. For example, it
includes (1) basic explanations of court procedures, structure, and history; (2)
biographical information on all Iowa justices, judges, and magistrates; (3) appellate
court opinions; and (4) the child support guidelines. It also contains manuals to assist
domestic abuse victims. The manuals are in four languages: English, Bosnian,
Vietnamese and Spanish.
This year we’ll revamp the site, making it easier to use, and we’ll add more
information.
But with the web site we are just scratching the surface. We can do much, much
more.
Think of viewing court records or paying traffic fines or child support from the
convenience of one’s home or office. This would be a huge advantage for busy Iowans.
We are currently working on two projects that will eventually make this possible. They
are dramatic steps, and we should take them now.
© 2001 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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hjourn@legis.iowa.gov.
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Last update: Fri Jan 12 13:35:00 CST 2001
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