NCJ Number
81968
Date Published
Unknown
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This 1980 annual report provides data and information on the structure and operation of Nebraska's courts.
Abstract
Nebraska's constitution vests the judicial power of the State in a supreme court, district courts, county courts, and such other courts inferior to the supreme court as may be created by law. In addition to the courts created by the constitution, the legislature has provided for three other types of courts: municipal courts in Lincoln and Omaha, separate juvenile courts in Lancaster, Douglas, and Sarpy counties, and a workmen's compensation court. The financing of the courts is a mixed State and local responsibility. The supreme court and the workmen's compensation court are entirely State financed. Less than 2 percent of the State budget is allocated to the judicial branch. The supreme court's settlement conference, which began as an experiment in 1979, has been expanded and made a mandatory step in domestic relations and tort appeals. All other civil appeals may go to the prehearing conference on a voluntary basis. The supreme court has requested several judges to chair committees to study litigation processes and costs and the structure of the bar discipline procedures. The court has also been experimenting with cameras in the courtroom. During 1980, 26 of Nebraska's 44 county judges were assigned to districts outside their home districts. A total of 167 judicial assignments were made in 1980, covering 225 working days. In an effort to handle the increasing volume of cases, the court is examining a number of possible solutions, including redistricting, the establishment of preargument conferences, and the institution of other administrative devices. Appended are tabular data on caseloads and dispositions and a judicial directory.