LAWRENCE COUNTY Judge Pratt leaves legacy of significant changes

The governor's office is still accepting letters of interest for the vacant judgeship.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- When Ralph Pratt took over as Lawrence County's president judge in 2000, he promised many changes.
He hasn't gone back on his word.
Judge Pratt retires Tuesday knowing that in the past four years there have been significant changes in just about every aspect of courts from jury duty to revisions of the local rules of court procedure.
"It was badly needed," Judge Pratt said.
At the top of Judge Pratt's list of accomplishments was helping to create a fourth judgeship in the county. Tom Piccione was elected to the post in 2001.
Other changes included the creation of central court, one location established near the county courthouse where all preliminary hearings are held. Judge Pratt said it has equalized the caseloads of the county's district justices and made it easier for the public defender and district attorney to attend hearings.
Less visible
But there were also much less visible changes, such as bench-bar conferences in which attorneys and judges gathered to talk about issues and about putting all court related employees into one labor union.
Judge Pratt's successor, Judge Dominick Motto, lauds those changes.
Judge Motto, 54, is in his 10th year as a judge and will be sworn in as president judge Wednesday morning.
Judge Motto said he doesn't expect to make any changes until he has learned more about his post as president judge.
"It's hard to focus on anything in particular you would like to change until you are actually doing the job," he said.
Judge Motto said he hopes to build on programs Judge Pratt has already instituted. Judge Motto said he is particularly happy with the central court and the calls the "one day, one jury" system a blessing.
"Under the old system jurors could have been here as long a week. Now a juror will report for one trial, and if they aren't picked they are released," he said.
Improving efficiency
Judge Motto noted he would like to devote time to improving the efficiency in which cases move through the court system. He said he plans to meet with the other judges to discuss any changes.
Judges Motto and Pratt say they have had no word on a replacement for Judge Pratt.
Abe Amorose, spokesman for Gov. Ed Rendell, said that as of last week the governor had not received any letters of interest from those seeking to replace Judge Pratt. He said they will be accepting names. Anyone nominated by the governor must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the state senate.
Judge Motto said they will likely continue to use the services of Senior Judge Michael Wherry of Mercer County, who has been filling in since Judge Pratt announced his retirement, until a replacement is named or elected. Judge Pratt said he also intends to become a senior judge and would like to fill in the Lawrence County courts when needed.
The right time
Judge Pratt, 64, said there was nothing magical about his decision to retire June 29.
"You just wake up one morning and say what else do I have to prove? What are my spiritual needs? What are my financial needs and say 'Why not?'" he said.
He said during his 18 years as a judge he has been surprised by more than a few jury verdicts. Judge Pratt said he found civil cases the most challenging and enjoyable because the laws are more complex and ever changing.
Judge Pratt said it took some time to become accustomed to being on the other side of the bench.
"You have to realize the authority you have and use it sparingly," he said.
The Neshannock Township resident was elected court of common pleas judge in 1985. Before that he served as a state legislator from 1975 to 1985 and had spent some time working in the Pennsylvania attorney general's office and in private law practice.
cioffi@vindy.com