NCJ Number
202926
Journal
Issues of Democracy: The Changing Face of U.S. Courts Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: May 2003 Pages: 6-12
Date Published
May 2003
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the development of new approaches and directions in the American court system, thereby making the court process as effective and expeditious as possible within the bounds of other principles.
Abstract
With growing caseloads and changing populations affecting America’s society, the American court system is experimenting with new approaches and programs to attain ideal justice for everyone. Underlying new directions in the American court system for the 21st century is the process of innovation, testing, and dissemination. However, in adopting new directions, courts are aware of both the potential benefits and potential concerns, recognizing the challenge of assuring that in striving to improve the effectiveness of, and access to, the courts, they do not compromise the other principles underlying the American justice system. This article presents and discusses new approaches in the American trial process and in fulfilling the purposes of courts. These new approaches include: (1) alternative dispute resolution techniques, such as mediation and arbitration into the litigation process; (2) specialized courts or dockets to address certain types of disputes or litigants; and (3) specialized procedures designed to address the problems underlying traditional legal disputes, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness.