Oregon State Bar Bulletin MAY 2010 |
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State Court Filing Fees Have Changed
Legislative changes in 2010 that become effective May 1 will change some state court filing-fee amounts. (Chapter 107, Oregon Laws 2010, HB 3696). The Oregon Judicial Department has more information at www.or.us.
Because circuit court fees vary by county depending on local fee assessments, there is no single circuit court fee schedule. If a court has not posted its fee schedule on its websiste, contact the circuit court directly for information.
Sustainability Debate to Consider Amendment
The OSB Sustainable Future Section is sponsoring a debate May 21 on a proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure a “clean and healthful” environment. The debate will be between Steve Griffith and Jim Westwood, both lawyers at Stoel Rives; Judge Jack Landau will moderate. The event will be held at the University of Oregon’s White Stag building in Portland’s Old Town, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
The topic is whether the Oregon Constitution should be amended to include the following provision: “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Oregon for present and future generations.”
Additional information and registration is available at www.osbar.org.
“Overheard in Court” Goes to
the Web
The site honors the tradition of U.S. District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer, whose popular column of courtroom humor and malapropisms, “Et cetera,” was a longtime feature of the Texas Bar Journal. Though Judge Buchmeyer died in 2009, a group of enthusiasts is seeking to carry on the column with an online version and has expanded the scope of the column beyond the Lone Star State.
Here’s your chance to share “war stories” with the universe, courtesy of the Worldwide Web. There’s even a contest at the moment, if Internet fame weren’t enough of an incentive.
Visit the site at http://overheardincourt.com.
OSB Again Offering Judicial Voter’s Guide to Public
There are 57 esteemed bar members seeking judicial office in this May’s primary, either for the first time or for new six-year terms. One of those races, between Allan Arlow and Jack Landau, is for the Oregon Supreme Court position being vacated by Justice Michael Gillette after 24 years on Oregon’s highest court. Several others offer contested races for circuit court positions around the state. And still others are for incumbent judges running unopposed, but are no less critical to the health and vitality of our bar and our state.
Many bar members find that friends, neighbors and colleagues turn to them for guidance in making these choices. Others just want to know as much as they can about all candidates, as part of making their own informed choices.
Several years ago, the Oregon State Bar started its Judicial Voters Guide
project to provide a mechanism for
judicial candidates to share detailed
background about their professional and civic histories. The project has won accolades from media and community groups for its contribution toward making these nonpartisan races more accessible to voters, while still maintaining the state’s longtime commitment to a fair and impartial judiciary.
To peruse this year’s participating candidates, or to offer your friends and families a valuable educational resource, see the Voters Guide at http://www.osbar.org/judicial/JudicialVotingGuide10.html.
For the Notaries in Your Office
The 2009 legislature made some changes in the notary act, including how signers are identified. Also, for budgetary reasons, the Secretary of State Corporation Division will no longer send announcements and renewal notices by regular mail.
Visit www.filinginoregon.com/notary/changes for information about the statutory changes and information on how to subscribe to the division’s e-mail notification service.