NCJ Number
104852
Date Published
1986
Length
116 pages
Annotation
The citizens' commission formed by the Michigan Supreme Court in January 1986 has developed 50 recommendations related to the treatment of victims and witnesses, accountability of judges, services for indigents, alternatives to litigation, sentencing, and the use of citizen input.
Abstract
The commission divided itself into three committees. One focused on civil and family matters, another on criminal and delinquency matters, and the third on the relationship of the courts and the community. The committees gathered information and opinions from 50 experts in many fields, 5 public hearings, a formal survey of Michigan citizens, and letters from citizens. The commission urges courteous and fair treatment of all court users, based on punctuality and careful scheduling, research on the extent and nature of disparate treatment, and assistance to persons who are handicapped or who have other special needs. Specific measures to eliminate delays and otherwise minimize the trauma suffered by child victims are also recommended. Additional recommendations focus on reducing the number of unneeded jurors who are summoned to the courthouse, improving the processing of family matters, including family law in the bar examination, funding legal services to indigents, ensuring fair sentencing, and implementing legislation to assure adequate funding. Appended data tables, list of persons who addressed the committees, and summaries of other findings.