NCJ Number
43950
Date Published
1974
Length
42 pages
Annotation
THE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES, ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES, AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS EMPLOYED BY A DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROGRAM IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, ARE DOCUMENTED.
Abstract
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COLUMBUS NIGHT PROSECUTOR'S PROGRAM ARE TO REDUCE COURT CONGESTION BY HELPING CITIZENS SOLVE THEIR PERSONAL PROBLEMS BY AGREEMENT, TO REMOVE THE STIGMA OF ARREST RECORDS FOR MISDEMEANOR VIOLATIONS, TO REFER CITIZENS TO OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES, TO EASE INTERPERSONAL TENSIONS BETWEEN DISPUTING PARTIES, TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT DURING NONWORKING HOURS, TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO DISCUSS THEIR GRIEVANCES WITH A CITY REPRESENTATIVE, AND TO PROMOTE FAITH IN THE AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM'S HEARING PROCESS IS PRESENTED. DETAILS OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES RELATIVE TO CHARGES, HEARING DOCKET, SUMMONS DOCKET, HEARING, NOTICES, BAD-CHECK CASES, AND PERMANENT FILES ARE PRESENTED. JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE INCLUDED FOR THE SUPERVISING ATTORNEY, THE VARIOUS CLERKS, THE HEARING OFFICER, THE DAY SECRETARY, THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR, THE ON-DUTY CITY PROSECUTOR, AND THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR. COPIES OF FORMS USED BY THE PROGRAM ARE APPENDED.