NCJ Number
81492
Date Published
1980
Length
121 pages
Annotation
This study examined existing traffic infraction adjudication in Oregon as well as alternative methods used in other States and recommended that an administrative adjudication system be established in Multnomah County to reduce traffic case court delay.
Abstract
Based on a survey of 13 selected courts, this report first summarizes data relating to traffic case volume, sources, and dispositions for 1979. The discussion of alternatives to traditional traffic courts focuses on the modified judicial system in which courts retain supervisory authority and the administrative approach which uses trained officers to conduct informal hearings under the supervision of an independent State agency. Administrative adjudication systems implemented in New York State and Rhode Island are described, including their cost savings and impact on court caseloads. Also reviewed are a pilot study on administrative adjudication in California and a modified judicial system employed in Seattle. Constitutional issues involved in instituting administrative adjudication are considered, with attention to the separation of powers, due process, and equal protection along with the experiences of other States. The study concludes that such a system would be constitutional and suggests that Multnomah County begin a pilot administrative adjudication program to process traffic infractions more efficiently and relieve court caseloads. Legislation to authorize this 3-year project is presented with full text and explanatory comments. The appendixes contain a bibliography and a private consultant's report on the cost/benefit impact of an administrative adjudication system and a modified judicial proposal in Multnomah County.