Communication is fundamental to the success of any organization. For courts, effective communication with the various communities they serve is central to the administration of justice. In the always-connected information age of the twenty-first century, managing court communications requires an extensive knowledge and practical understanding of a wide variety of media, communications principles, judicial canons, and emerging technologies.
In this course, participants will learn basic skills and techniques for making courts more understandable, including how to manage customer service, the difference between legal advice and legal information, how to communicate using various technology applications, how to explain complex processes without using jargon, and how to identify and accommodate audiences with special communications needs. Other topics include community outreach programs and public information, with an emphasis on managing online tools, media relations, and leadership and program development.