Judicial Training



 
The Judicial College of Arizona  (JCA) is responsible for the development, implementation, and administrative oversight of the training of Arizona’s judicial officers, as well additional educational programs which support Arizona’s judicial branch.  The JCA is governed by a Board and is staffed by the Education Services Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The Board is led by a dean and an associate dean, and is composed of judges from all varieties of state courts, as well as members representing the educational community and public. 

The Judicial College of Arizona, the Education Services Division (ESD) and national judicial training organizations are offering an array of learning opportunities including seminars, conferences, and e-learning via webcasts and webinars and non-facilitated learning to suit the education needs of Judicial officers throughout the state. Take advantage of the following available resources:

(Links displaying an asterisk* may not be viewable by all browsers.)

TRAINING:

Resources

 

Compliance

 

Judicial Training Programs

(Sponsored by Education Services Division)

The Education Services Division coordinators and administers COJET accredited programs in conjunction with the Judicial College of Arizona.  These programs include judicial officer orientation programs, seminars, conferences and certification programs meeting the educational needs of judicial officers around the state.  For detailed registration and program information, contact the Education Services Division at (602) 452-3060.

  • Limited Jurisdiction New Judge Orientation (NJO)  
  • General Jurisdiction New Judge Orientation (NJO)
  • Civil Traffic Hearing Officer Training
  • Small Claims Hearing Officer Training
  • Dependency Training
  • Family Law Conference
  • Supreme Court Update
  • Domestic Relations Conference
  • Additional Judicial Training Programs (includes Probate, Family Law, Domestic Violence Conference, ADOT Transportation Conference, Mental Health Conference)

National Training Opportunities

These sites list a variety of training opportunities including:  Live web courses, seminar series courses, webcasts, webinars, traffic courses, Administrative Law, Reno campus courses, annual conference information, etc. Judicial Officers are encouraged to work with their local training coordinator to accredit training programs not sponsored by the Education Services Division.

 * Wendell is an intranet site and may not be accessible to all users.

ESD Sponsored Online Learning

 
The Education Services Division offers  online training opportunities via the COJET Classroom, a one-stop source for court staff to find a variety of programs including, but not limited to, computer-based training (CBT) modules, video streaming, and other web-based curricula. All programs have been COJET accredited. 

SkillSoft                                                                                                                                       

Extensive online course catalogue including management, communication and computer skill training.  Classes are COJET accredited. Contact the Education Services Division to obtain a license.

Curriculum on the Web

Singular trainings on a variety of subjects, designed for self-paced learning.  Read and download additional materials. Courses are COJET accredited. 

Downloadable computer-based training modules

Courseware designed for self-paced learning on a variety of subjects. Courses are COJET accredited. May not be available to all courts. 

Video Center                                                                                                                                    

Variety of streaming videos covering a wide range of topics including  Broadcasts/Webcasts.  Courses are COJET accredited.

Just in Time                                                                                                                                                 

Get a quick fix on a problem! Each module highlights a single task focused on a specific application. Modules can be combined for COJET credit.

Legends of the Judiciary

Streaming video series which explores the lives of seven prominent members of Arizona’s judiciary. Videos includes a biography and discussion questions.  Programs may be accredited for ethics credit.

Wendell COJET Center *

Self-paced training modules designed for judicial officer training. Programs are eligible for COJET credit by the local training coordinator.

Wendell Training Opportunities *

A catalogue of local, regional and national trainings, including registration information.

Program Accreditation

 

 

Faculty/Facilitator Teaching Tools

 

Publications

 

COJET Excellence in Training Award

 

The Committee on Judicial Education and Training (COJET) in conjunction with the JCA and the Education Services Division recognizes outstanding Judicial Education Trainers, and subject matter experts and facilitators involved in developing judicial programs statewide.  The COJET Excellence in Training Award is awarded to recipients annually.   Consider nominating an individual for one of the following:

·         Program Criteria

·         Nomination Form

Judicial Officer Compliance

All full-time judicial officers governed by the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration section 1-302, shall complete at least 16 credit hours of judicial education each calendar year, including ethics training and attendance at an annual judicial conference.

Judicial officers must attend training of regional or national scope at least once every 3 years.

Training completed for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit may qualify for COJET credit.

 New full time judges shall complete judicial training requirements according to a prorated scheduled.  Required training shall include orientation and ethics:

  • January – March          minimum of 12 credit hours  
  • April – June                 minimum of 8 credit hours
  • July – September         minimum of 4 credit hours
  • October – December   minimum of orientation, ethics

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR JUDGES: Consult the ACJA Section 1-302, I. for guidance on specific requirements for the following:

·         Appellate Court Judges

·         Superior Court Judges

·         Judges of Limited Jurisdiction Courts

·         Civil Traffic/Small Claims Hearing Officers

·         Judges Pro tempore (Limited and Superior Court Pro Tems)


Individual Compliance Reports: Per calendar year, judges file individual compliance reports with their designated training coordinator in accordance with local policies and procedures.  The local training coordinator maintains records of compliance.

Temporary Exemptions: A judge may request an exemption from compliance when unable to complete required training due to one of the following temporary circumstances: medical, physical conditions preventing active participation in education programs, extended and approved leave of absence, military leave, extended jury duty; and if the judge has made a good faith effort to obtain training prior to the request.  The following individuals may grant an  exemption from compliance:

  • Chief Justice or Chief Judge
  • Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in each county
  • Authorized designee