ADMINISTRATION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT BY US COURTS AND THE DC (DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) SUPERIOR COURT JUDICIAL BRANCH

• NCJ Number: 19126
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 36 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Congress
• Corporate Author: US Comptroller General
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE 1964 CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT (CJA) STATES THAT EACH U.S. DISTRICT COURT SHALL PLACE IN OPERATION A PLAN FOR FURNISHING REPRESENTATION TO DEFENDANTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD AN ADEQUATE DEFENSE.

Abstract

UNDER THIS PLAN, COUNSEL CAN BE PROVIDED BY PRIVATE ATTORNEYS, BAR ASSOCIATION ATTORNEYS OR LEGAL AID AGENCIES, AND DEFENDER ORGANIZATIONS. THIS REPORT REVIEWS THE IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF THIS ACT BY THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SUPERIOR COURT AND TEN OTHER FEDERAL COURT DISTRICTS INCLUDING ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN, PUERTO RICO, MICHIGAN EASTERN, AND MARYLAND. TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDE METHODS OF APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL, ADEQUACY OF CJA PAYMENTS. ADEQUACY OF REPRESENTATION PROVIDED, COURT PROCEDURE FOR REVIEWING VOUCHERS, AND THE ALLOCATION OF CASES BETWEEN PRIVATE ATTORNEYS AND DEFENDER ORGANIZATIONS. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA EXPERIENCE IS DISCUSSED SEPARATELY. ADDITIONAL AREAS CONSIDERED WERE THE FEASIBILITY OF TRANSFERRING THE BUDGET AND ACCOUNTING FUNCTIONS OF THE PROGRAM FROM THE THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE U.S. COURTS TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT. THE RESPONSES TO A CJA QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY OF JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES ARE SUMMARIZED IN THE APPENDIX.