About the Melson-Arsht Inn
The Melson Arsht American Inn of Court is comprised of judges, experienced lawyers, young attorneys, law clerks and law students serving internships in the area of Juvenile and Family Law. The Inn is named after two former Family Court Judges, Elwood T. Melson and Roxana C. Arsht, who left an enduring influence on the Court and the practice of family law in Delaware. The Inn is divided into pupilage groups whose composition is balanced with members of varying degrees of experience and backgrounds. Each team prepares and presents one program during the term (September through May, excluding the December holiday social meeting) for which one hour of continuing legal education credit is earned. Programs deal with important issues facing members of the legal profession and contribute to improving professionalism, civility and ethics in the legal community. The Inn is accepting new members. If you are interested in joining please contact valerie.maitland@delaware.gov.
The Honorable Janell S. Ostroski, President
About the American Inns of Court
American Inns of Court adopted the traditional British model of legal apprenticeship and mentoring and modified it to fit the needs of the American legal system. American Inns help members of the legal profession develop a keener awareness of professionalism, civility, ethics and mentoring. The first American Inn of Court was established in 1980 in Provo, Utah. Over 300 Chartered American Inns now exist with an active membership of over 20,000 judges, lawyers, law professors and law students.
American Inns of Court Mission Statement
To lead the movement to elevate the American practice of law by promoting the ideals of excellences and professionalism, the exercise of civility and courtroom competence, the spirit of mutual cooperation and camaraderie and adherence to legal ethics through membership in the American inns of Court.
The Goals of the American Inns of Court
- To promote, establish and charter American Inns of Court throughout the United States.
- To help ensure the vitality and continuity of local Inns.
- To facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, and ongoing education among members of American Inns of Court, thereby maintaining an institutional forum where judges, lawyers, academicians and students of law, working together may pursue the highest goals of the legal profession.
- To shape a culture of excellence in American jurisprudence by promoting a national commitment to civility, ethic advocacy skills and professionalism in the practice of law, by communicating these ideals to the nation and the world and by transmitting these values from one generation to the next.
- To establish organizational credibility, visibility, and long-term stability for the American Inns of Court.
Melson Arsht Inn Member Resources