The Council of Europe's Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) issued an opinion in 2005 concerning four main aspects revolving around the broader theme of 'justice and society': (1) With regards to the relations of the courts with the public the following measures were considered and recommended: creation of offices in courts in charge of reception and information services; distribution of printed materials, opening of Internet sites under the responsibility of courts; and organization by courts of a calendar of educational fora and/or regular meetings open in particular to citizens, public interest organizations, policy makers, and students ("outreach programs"). (2) As to improving the relations of the courts with those involved in court proceedings, the opinion mentions programs in various justice systems which help to shape the ethical training of judges, court staff, lawyers, etc; court facilities; and judicial proceedings. (3) With regards to the relations of the courts with the media, the CCJE aims at improving these relations in order to strengthen understanding of their respective roles; to inform the public of the nature, the scope, the limitations and the complexities of judicial work; and to rectify possible factual errors in reports on certain cases. (4) In addition, the CCJE recommends increased accessibility, simplification and clarity of the language used by the courts in proceedings and decisions.
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