NCJ Number
7595
Journal
Iowa Law Review Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1972) Pages: 598-813
Date Published
1972
Length
216 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF THE DAY-TO-DAY WORKINGS OF A STATE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE ROLES OF PROSECUTION, DEFENSE AND COURT PERSONNEL ARE DISCUSSED IN TURN, AND PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THOSE REQUIREMENTS OF PROCEDURE WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE DELAY IN THE DISPOSITION OF CRIMINAL CASES. THE STUDY WAS BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF QUESTIONNAIRES COMPLETED BY COUNTY ATTORNEYS, DEFENSE LAWYERS AND TRIAL JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE STATE. IN IOWA, THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE IS AN ELECTIVE AND OFTEN PART-TIME POSITION. IT IS FREQUENTLY FILLED BY YOUNG LAWYERS WHO REMAIN IN OFFICE ONLY ONE OR TWO TERMS. THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE PART-TIME STAFF BE REPLACED BY FULL-TIME, ADEQUATELY COMPENSATED PROFESSIONAL PROSECUTORS. DEFENSE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY BOTH COURT-APPOINTED COUNSEL AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS. THE DISCUSSION FOCUSES ON THE ISSUES OF THE DETERMINATION OF INDIGENT STATUS, COMPENSATION FOR APPOINTED COUNSEL, AND THE EXPANSION OF CRIMINAL DISCOVERY. IT WAS FOUND THAT TRIAL JUDGES IN IOWA ARE ALMOST UNIFORMLY OVERBURDENED BY CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK WHICH COULD BE MORE EFFICIENTLY HANDLED BY COURT ADMINISTRATORS AND ADEQUATE SUPPORT PERSONNEL. (SNI ABSTRACT)