Jan. 29, 2010
Court Personnel Learn Difference Between Legal Advice, Legal Information
A Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College course today explored the fine line for court personnel between providing customer service and offering legal advice.
The two-hour distance learning course “Legal Advice vs. Legal Information for Court Personnel” targeted front-line employees who answer any number of daily questions from Ohioans about local court forms and procedures. Each section of the course was designed to help court personnel understand ways they can effectively and legally help court users navigate the system.
Allan Asbury, Supreme Court administrative counsel, and attorney Kimberly Vanover of Montgomery, Rennie and Jonson clearly explained how court personnel can successfully maintain the balance between being helpful while not giving legal advice, which is prohibited by law. They defined legal information as generic assistance that includes educating citizens about court proceedings, terminology, rules and legal concepts. Legal advice, on the other hand, includes giving a legal opinion, performing legal research or advising on procedural matters.
The course presenters also answered questions about situations court personnel have faced in their courts. In addition, several courts shared sample forms/instructions used in their jurisdictions.
Judicial College Director Milt Nuzum noted that using webinars allows the Judicial College to reach its audience in a cost-effective manner with relevant and timely information. Margaret Allen, program manager for court personnel education, added that webinars are also “green” since all brochures and course materials are sent electronically to participants to reduce costs and minimize the waste of paper.
The Judicial College, an office within the Supreme Court of Ohio, was created in 1976 to help judges meet their mandatory education requirements. It is partially funded by attendee registration fees and federal grants.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.
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