In re First Judicial Cir. , 2014 Ark. 136 ( 2014 )

Cite as 2014 Ark. 136
SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS
Opinion Delivered March 20, 2014
IN RE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
PER CURIAM
We assigned Honorable Kim Smith, Circuit Judge-Retired, to review circuit court
operations in the First Judicial Circuit and to report his observations and recommendations
to the supreme court. In Re Phillips County, 2013 Ark. 55 (per curiam). Judge Smith has
issued a report. In reviewing it, we have determined that a number of critical issues noted
by Judge Smith can be addressed by revising the circuit’s administrative plan.
Judge Smith has agreed to return to the First Circuit to work with the circuit judges to
develop an effective administrative plan that not only complies with the requirements of
Administrative Order Number 14 but also addresses problems highlighted in his report.
This amended plan shall be submitted to us for approval. In addition, Judge Smith will
continue to assist court personnel with improving case management.
We thank Judge Smith for his willingness to continue to assist the supreme court and the
First Circuit. We appreciate the cooperation that Judge Smith has received from the judges
and court personnel and are confident that it will continue in this next phase. We look
forward to receipt of an amended administrative plan.
Judge Smith’s assignment to the First Circuit continues, and the directives in our earlier
order remain in effect.