NCJ Number
76200
Date Published
1980
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are reported of the LEAA-sponsored Criminal Courts Technical Assistance Project's (CCTAP's) examination of the law clerk program of Milwaukee, Wis.
Abstract
The report includes a review of current financial conditions, findings related to the program's overall performance from a cost-benefit standpoint, and prescriptions for continued funding of the program at current or reduced levels. The law clerk program, financed by a Federal grant between October 1978 and September 1980, provided for the establishment of eight law clerk positions. The law clerks were assigned to assist judges hearing felony and misdemeanor cases in the Milwaukee Circuit Court's crime and traffic division. Duties of the clerks included reviewing pretrial and postconviction motions, researching evidentiary issues, and assisting in the drafting of jury instructions. The court is seeking county funding for 1981 to continue operation of the law clerk program at its present level. To evaluate program effectiveness, the court established specific measurements regarding case backlog. These measurements included a comparison of monthly dispositions during the project period with monthly dispositions prior to the project period, and a comparison of the number of appeals filed during the project period with the number of appeals filed in the year prior to project initiation. A 5-percent increase in case disposals and a 5-percent decrease in appeals filed were set as performance goals. Analysis of all available information revealed that the backlog reduction and speedy trial goals of the program have been met. Results of efforts to reduce the number of appeals, however, could not be measured using available data. CCTAP recommends continuation of the program at its present level. The court should consider establishing a firm policy of limiting law clerk appointments to a maximum of 12 to 18 months. It appears that if program operations are continued that future cost avoidance is possible and even probable. A few tables are provided.