Tennesseans can to weigh in on a potential change in how they might access public records. Inspection is generally free, but legislation introduced in the 2015 Session would permit a monetary charge. The Office of Open Records has prepared an online survey to gather opinions. In addition, three public hearings are scheduled across the state. Humphrey on the Hill has more.

Davidson County Juvenile Court Judge Shelia Calloway conducted training at Lipscomb University in Nashville for her court’s Peer-Driven Youth Justice program, which offers an alternative to juvenile courts. Participating students learn about court proceedings including courtroom etiquette and sentence determination. Calloway estimates that the program has saved more than $1 million by keeping juveniles out of the court system. The AOC has more on the story.

The public comment period for proposed changes to how journalists can use smartphones and other electronic devices in the courtroom ends Friday. The Tennessee Supreme Court is considering changing its “Rule 30” that governs photographic coverage of proceedings. Read the TBA’s proposed revisions to the court’s draft changes. Public comments may be submitted online.

Join us Aug. 21 in Memphis or Aug. 28 in Knoxville for our Annual CLE Fast Track program. Receive seven hours of live credit and eight prepaid credits to complete eight hours online at anytime. This live/online combination allows you to customize learning to your schedule, providing all your Tennessee CLE requirements for the year.

The Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure will hold a meeting Friday at the Administrative Office of the Courts, 511 Union St., Suite 600, in Nashville. The meeting is open to the public and scheduled for 9 – 11 a.m. For more information contact Jeana Hendrix at (615) 741-2687 or jeana.hendrix@tncourts.gov.

Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Derrick Schofield disputes claims of overcrowded prisons, staffing problems and increased violence previously reported in the Tennessean. Appearing Monday in front of lawmakers, Schofield acknowledged that pay does not increase for correction officers’ overtime shifts and some employees are working consecutive 16-hour-a-day shifts, but said prisons are safer than when he took over the department, the Tennessean reports.

Convicts owe Knox County millions of dollars in fines and court costs that may never be collected. Four alone owe more than $600,000 dating back to the 1980s, WBIR reports. County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond hopes to recover at least some of the money with a plan that includes cracking down on those who can pay and a possible community service program, but some are skeptical.