NCJ Number
101224
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1985) Pages: 292-314
Date Published
1985
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Interest in increasing public involvement in the courts stems from a continuing concern about the poor public image of the courts and the belief that the third branch of government will benefit by becoming more responsive to public preferences.
Abstract
In July 1984, the National Center for State Courts conducted a national survey to determine the nature and extent of citizen participation in state court systems. Survey responses indicated a relatively low level of citizen participation across the country, but innovative programs do exist in certain states. This article presents the results of the survey and provides supplemental information based on previous literature in some of the major citizen participation areas. It discusses the implications for both the courts and the public, identifies effective models of public involvement, and recommends specific steps that the state courts can take to build a more accountable justice system. (Publisher abstract)