Boston --- Judge John C. Stevens III of Newburyport and First Justice of the Essex County Division of the Probate and Family Court Department participated in a continuing professional education conference on trial procedures and management offered by the American Academy of Judicial Education held in South Carolina from October 30 through November 4, 2004. The focus of the conference was to assist trial court judges in preparing for and managing the trial from start to finish, with emphasis on pretrial motions and hearings, voir dire, opening and closing statements, handling objections and ruling upon evidentiary issues, courtroom management, judicial demeanor, and decision-making.

           Travel and lodging expenses for Judge Steven's attendance at this important conference were funded by the State Justice Institute (SJI), a non-profit organization established by Federal law to award grants to improve the quality of justice in State courts nationwide, facilitate better coordination between State and Federal courts, and foster innovative, efficient solutions to common problems faced by all courts. More information about the State Justice Institute is available on the SJI web site (http:/www.statejustice.org).