Court tackles COVID backlog with innovative mediation strategies

During a recent government meeting, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners confirmed the appointment of a new district court judge for Clarkston, with a unanimous vote of 18-0. This decision marks a significant step in addressing the judicial needs of the community.

Following the vote, Chief Judge Jeff Mattis of the Oakland County Circuit Court delivered a comprehensive state of the court address. He highlighted the court's structure, which includes 20 elected judges and various referees handling a wide range of cases, from family law to criminal matters. Judge Mattis noted a concerning increase in case filings, particularly juvenile cases, which have surged to 751 in 2023, up from 291 in 2018. He attributed part of this rise to the backlog created during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had previously halted jury trials.

The judge also discussed the implementation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), commonly referred to as \"red flag laws,\" which allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. Since their introduction in February 2023, 37 ERPOs have been filed, primarily initiated by law enforcement.

In addressing the court's operational challenges, Judge Mattis emphasized the need for an updated case management system, as the current one is over 50 years old. He expressed optimism about collaborating with state officials to develop a statewide system that would enhance information sharing across courts.

Additionally, Judge Mattis reported on the success of a recent settlement week aimed at reducing the backlog of civil and family cases, which resulted in the resolution of approximately 200 cases. He underscored the importance of mediation as a cost-effective alternative to traditional judicial proceedings.

The meeting concluded with discussions on upcoming judicial reforms and the potential impact of new legislation on court operations. Judge Mattis reassured commissioners of the court's commitment to transparency and collaboration, inviting them to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding the court's functions.