NCJ Number
77423
Date Published
1981
Length
148 pages
Annotation
This report focuses on the operations of the Judicial Department of the State of Connecticut for the biennium commencing July 1, 1978 and ending June 30, 1980.
Abstract
This is the first biennial report issued since the advent of court unification on July 1, 1978. Major topics addressed include court organization, the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, rules of practice and procedure, department finances, appellate court activity, trial court activity, trial court services, support services, probate court, and legislation. With regard to State supreme court activity during this period, a record 542 appeals were disposed of by opinion, and 458 appeals were disposed of by motion or withdrawal. New appeals filed with the court also increased significantly, from 883 filings during the 1976-78 biennium to 1,073 filings in the 1978-80 period. The number of pending cases on the supreme court docket on June 30, 1980 was 681. The appellate session of the superior court did not experience the increase in activity that occurred in the supreme court. The volume of criminal cases in the trial courts increased by 17.5 percent. The civil division consists of several parts. These parts include cases claimed for jury trial, cases heard by a judge, and administrative appeals, all of which are filed in the judicial district locations. Cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and commitments in drug and alcohol matters are filed at the geographical court locations. Photographs are included in the report, and extensive tabular data are appended.