Present were: Court Administrator Kevin Way, Brian Bluth, Ed Mitchell, Cliff Rieders, Joe Rider, Darryl Wishard.

Kevin Way. There will be a different approach to the criminal calendar. There will be a case management system to expedite certain cases. The intent is to reduce the backlog and dispose of cases between six and nine months.

The 2006 court calendar is almost complete. The civil trial terms are listed on the web site.

There will be changes in the manner in which some domestic relations matters are handled. Judges will become involved in the equitable distribution pretrial conferences in an effort to advance hearings.

The civil cases on Judge Kieser’s list will go to Judge Brown. His first term will be January 9-27.

The cases on Judge Anderson’s list will go to Judge Butts. Her first list will be March 6-17.

The earlier jury selection has reduced the number of cases going to trial.

Cliff Rieders. Cliff suggested that the discovery cutoff date could be extended from what is currently in practice in the case monitoring schedules.