New Hampshire Citizens Commission on the State Courts 
Steering Committee Meeting Minutes 
February 7, 2006 
10am-12pm 
Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests 
Portsmouth St, Concord 
In attendance: Kathy Eneguess, Will Abbott, Claudia Nixon, Ralph Littlefield, Larry 
Gilpin, Nina Gardner, Byron Champlin, Andy Peterson, Eric Herr, Judge Ed Kelly, Laura 
Kiernan, Lew Feldstein and Julie Morris (recorder). 
Kathy opened the meeting by stating that at January’s full commission meeting there 
were over 60 commissioners present and what great progress each committee is making. 
She mentioned that the steering committee will need to keep in mind the big ;picture 
issues and where are overlying issues going to land. 
Update on Research Committees: 
Public Access: 
Ralph mentioned that this group divided up based on their areas of expertise. They are 
having difficulties with some procedural issues and are possibly looking for an extension 
on the timeline in order to finish the process. 
There was a discussion regarding extending the timeline and it was mentioned that 
perhaps this committee is trying to solve the problems and not just identify them. Will 
discussed how the dates to need to be followed closely in order for the final report to be 
presented in May. 
Claudia and Ralph will go back to their committee and relay this information to them. 
Laura Kiernan offered her assistance to this committee. Laura also mentioned the Access 
to Justice Commission which is looking at a variety of legal issues. 
Customer Service & Communication: 
Byron and Larry mentioned that this committee is in its final stages and are meeting 
Thursday to prioritize each recommendation. Larry gave Kathy and Will a report on their 
process and recommendations but the actual recommendations on the template form will 
be emailed to Julie when they are set. 
Courts as a Business: 
Eric mentioned that his committee has three draft recommendations which are circulating 
now. He is not feeling pressed for time, this committee has come up with these areas of 
concern and it is up to the judiciary to execute these recommendations. 

Problem Solving Courts: 
Nina mentioned she has had attendance issues with her committee members. Only 6-7 
members have been present at each meeting. She had 2 members resign and 2 members 
are legislators and have not been able to attend many meetings. They will have one or 
two recommendations to present. Nina said this was a great topic to research with a good 
group of people 
. 
Third Branch: 
Andy mentioned his committee is drawing up the recommendations currently. The 
participation has been super and the clerk of this committee, Donna Davey, has been 
doing a great job. He will have Donna get minutes to Julie for posting on the web site 
once they are approved at their next meeting. 
Andy mentioned the relationship between the branches is important in how they function. 
The budget process is special, no other agency has this and they are looking at more 
transparency going forward. 
Sentencing: 
Lew mentioned they have six drafts they are working on, but they may get down to three 
once they are finished. 
Family Courts: 
Judge Kelly said that this committee was able to identify those issues already under way. 
They have eight recommendations they are discussing at this point. 
Big Picture Issues: 
Eric mentioned the Legislature not providing funding for quality of justice and why 
shouldn’t the participants pay part of the cost to access quality judicial services. 
Nina spoke regarding the long term goal of ongoing education of the public regarding the 
judicial system itself as well as ongoing education of court personnel. 
Will mentioned the quality of justice, whether or not having a lawyer gives the person 
more or less quality services. 
Judge Kelly said how after three months there are fewer cases in court now that they have 
implemented court-ordered mediation. 
Byron said there is a perception that attorneys are too expensive for middle class people 
and that is why many are choosing to go pro se. 

Eric mentioned the need for a Chief Operations Officer, someone to go to when 
management issues need to be changed. 
Meeting adjourned at 12pm. 
Respectfully submitted, 
Julie Morris