Sept. 13, 2010
Appellate Court Continues to Expand Reach Through New Technology
A recent national study on the use of new media by courts noted that about 7 percent of courts nationwide use social media profile sites like Facebook and microblogging sites like Twitter.
At least one Ohio court has found success using one of these tools and other new media technology.
The Ninth District Court of Appeals opened a Twitter account in 2009 and started a blog in July this year. According to Court Administrator C. Michael Walsh, both have been well-received.
Today, the court unveiled an application Walsh developed for Android-based smart phones. The Ninth District app will give driving directions to the courts where judges hear oral arguments, provide access to the court’s local rules and allow for one-touch calling to the clerks of court in each of the district’s four counties (Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne). It also includes links to the court’s Web site, as well as the Web sites for the Supreme Court of Ohio and the clerks of court for the four counties.
Presiding Judge Clair E. Dickinson said the court benefits from using new technology because it may not reach members of the public any other way. “The expanded use of technology makes the courts more accessible to all,” he said.
Click here to access the new app.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.
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