Del. Court Internet Site More Than E-Forms

The Delaware Superior Court has launched a World Wide Web site that features comprehensive information about the court and how it operates.

The public can access information on the court's history, its members, the jury system, its groundbreaking e-litigation system, in which documents can be electronically filed, and more.

The court decided that a Web site would best serve the public, and each judge had input into what would be posted, said Superior Court President Judge Henry Ridgely. By using the Internet, the court is better able to communicate with the public, he said.

"I think a lot of people would not realize that the information is available without the Web site being there," he said. "I think this is representing a sea of change on how courts will do business and interact with the public."

In the future, Ridgely said, he hopes the site will be "the daily source for what is being scheduled and what matters are proceeding." The jury segment will be updated so that prospective jurors can communicate with the judges and court system.

He also said he hopes to set up a feedback system in which citizens who use the site can comment on how the court can improve its services.

Webmaster Margaret Derrickson, who created the site and is in charge of updating it, said the goal is to keep the public constantly informed. "Our site is really to serve the community," she said.