Court Communication Plan: Delivering Our Message
20 | Page
(4) Inventory, compile and/or develop educational “about the court system” resources for
the media to promote understanding of the court system for fair and accurate
reporting.
(5) Develop speaking points and templates incorporating KEY Court Messages (as
appropriate) for a variety of situations to be used (and approved) by the Chief Judge and
PIO. (e.g. high profile cases - criminal and civil, JQC files complaint, judge is arrested)
(6) Create informative media-specific videos answering often-asked questions explaining
the judicial branch. (e.g. high profile cases, why judges can’t talk about cases, how the
system works, how state courts differ from federal courts, etc.)
Strategy I.1.C Establish productive working relationships with justice system partners to foster
cooperation and understanding about court
administration and operations.
Activities:
(1) Develop regular contact with local
system partners to encourage dialogue
and feedback, open lines of
communication, establish trust, respect,
and support, and promote the exchange
of information in both routine and crisis
situations. (e.g. monthly/quarterly meetings)
Strategy I.1.D Foster business partner relations to develop and improve understanding of the
judicial branch.
Activity:
(1) Establish regular meetings or feedback
mechanisms to encourage dialogue,
open lines of communication, and
establish trust, respect, and support.
(e.g. yearly meetings)
Strategy I.1.E Encourage and expand relationships, when presented and as needed, with all
levels of educational institutions to improve understanding of, and involvement with, the
judicial branch. (Outreach can include: elementary/secondary schools; vocational/technical
schools; colleges/universities; law schools.)
Strategy I.1.F Encourage and expand relationships, when presented and as needed, with
community organizations and civic groups to improve understanding of, and involvement with,
the judicial branch. (Outreach can include: The Florida Bar Foundation; leadership groups and
chambers of commerce; civic groups; and others.)
TRY THIS: JUSTICE PARTNERS
(Strategy I.1.C)
One circuit held a Lunch ‘n Learn with judges and
pre-trial release staff to discuss intervention and
detention procedures and goals.
--------------------------------
“What a great exchange of ideas. We need to do
this more often.” – Court administration staff
TRY THIS: BUSINESS PARTNERS
(Strategy I.1.D)
Coordinate a regular courthouse tour and
presentation as part of the "curriculum" of your local
Leadership organization (e.g., Leadership Broward,
Leadership Miami).