Web-based Training Overview

The Michigan Judicial Institute is pleased to offer a number of training topics available over the Internet. Please review a brief description of each training module below. You may click on the title of the WBT for a direct link to the training module.

Accessing the Michigan Courts

This module provides an overview of the Michigan court system. It describes the three branches of government and emphasizes the functions of the judiciary in Michigan. Users will learn the principles of jurisdiction and venue to properly guide the public to the correct type of court.

Campaign Ethics for Judges

The scenarios presented demonstrate situations which might arise as judges enter into political campaigns. As in real political life, pressures to cooperate with allies, to defeat opponents, and to respond quickly to the unexpected will arise. Judges can test how well they might respond to each of these scenarios while complying with the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct.

Juvenile Probation Officer Web-Based Training

Chapters 1-12 of this online manual describe the laws, court rules, and procedures used in juvenile delinquency cases and personal protection order cases involving a minor. The chapters also address cases in which a juvenile may be tried and sentenced as an adult, either by designation in the Family Division or by waiver to the Criminal Division. Chapters 13-21 of the online manual focus on practical issues a juvenile probation officer and/or caseworker should know.

Legal Advice

Making Ethical Decisions

Upon completion of this training module, users will be able to:

• Recognize situations that may appear to violate ethical guidelines;
• Utilize a decision-making process to avoid the appearance of impropriety;
• Apply appropriate, professional responses when faced with ethical dilemmas; and
• Reference the Model Code of Conduct for Michigan Court Employees.

Personal Protection Orders Web-based Training

This training module follows the process of a personal protection action from initiation through enforcement. Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Effectively complete their job responsibilities regarding personal protection actions;
• Assist self-represented parties when completing forms without giving legal advice or becoming an advocate;
• Recognize the influence of domestic abuse on parties as they interact with the court; and
• Better respond to the emotional situations of parties involved in a personal protection action.

Providing Quality Customer Service

Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

• Overcome barriers to providing quality service in the courts.
• List the benefits that quality customer service brings to the judicial branch.
• Demonstrate techniques for providing quality service to both internal and external customers.

Serving the Self-Represented without Providing Legal Advice

Providing access to justice for those court users who are not represented by counsel can be one of the most difficult challenges for court staff. MJI created this WBT to assist court personnel. Upon completion of this module users will be able to:

• Recognize and overcome stereotypes about the self-represented;
• Identify tools to better serve the self-represented;
• Distinguish the difference between providing information about the court system and giving legal advice; and
• Explore options for explaining the policies and procedures of the court to the self-represented.

Your Guide to the Michigan Court Rules

This training module explains how court rules are a source of law related to court procedures and how they affect the processing of cases. Upon completion of this training module participants will be able to navigate both the online and published versions of the court rules as a resource in his or her daily work.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

To view these training applications you will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player installed to access some links and view video content.

For Best Results:

• PC users should use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox web browsers.
  
• Mac users should use Safari web browser.
  
• Broadband connection
  
• 1024x768 screen resolution, but may also be viewed with 800x600 screen resolution.

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