NCJ Number
82212
Date Published
1980
Length
129 pages
Annotation
Testimony before the House Subcommittee on Judiciary, Manpower, and Education speaks to H.R. 7988, a bill designed to establish a locally controlled judicial system in the District of Columbia.
Abstract
H.R. 7988 grants the District of Columbia (1) authority over the prosecution of violations of its laws, (2) custody of prisoners convicted of local violations, and (3) authority to appoint local judges. Presently, these functions are performed respectively by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, the U.S. Marshal, and the President of the United States. The bill establishes an office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, who shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. General support for the bill is given in testimony by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, members of the city council, congressmen, and the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area suggests changes in the bill's sections dealing with the Federal certification authority, access to grand jury proceedings, and appointment and tenure. The majority report of the Committee on the Transfer of Judicial Functions of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia opposes the bill on the general grounds that it will decrease the quality of court personnel and the consequent disposition of justice in District of Columbia courts. Various witnesses opposed the appointment of the Attorney General and judges by the Mayor. Elections or nominations for appointment were preferred by many. A summary of the legislation is appended.