NCJ Number
77282
Date Published
1980
Length
136 pages
Annotation
This report describes the organization and structure of the New York State Office of Court Administration, recommends steps regarding reorganization, and details the legal authority governing court administration.
Abstract
Authority for administrative supervision of the court system is vested in the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. It is recommended that existing legal authorities be systematically reviewed to clarify ambiguities, eliminate contradictions, and resolve inconsistencies regarding court system administration. There should be frequent meetings of the judicial conference to establish communications among judges, the bar, and court managers. The Chief Judge appoints the Chief Administrator of the Courts with the advice and consent of the board. The Chief Administrative Judge supervises the administration and operation of the unified court system. Currently, there are two Deputy Chief Administrative Judges, one for the courts within New York City and one for the remaining courts. Counsel is responsible to the Chief Administrative Judge for providing confidential legal advice relating to policy formulation, program implementation, and representation of the court system. It is suggested that counsel's apparent view of the role is that of a supervisor who delegates all legal work to subordinates. This view is in contradiction to the job specification for counsel's position and should be changed. The office has done much to improve the usefulness of budget information and documentation and appears to have been successful in implementing a unified budget. Among other administrative areas discussed are education and training, employee relations, public information, and planning. Figures and an appendix are included.