NCJ Number
14560
Date Published
1974
Length
186 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMPREHENSIVE REFORM IN BUDGETING, COURT FINANCING, AND ADMINISTRATION IWTH THE BASIC THRUST BEING A UNIFICATION OF THE FINANCING AND BUDGETING FORMAT FOR THE ENTIRE STATE.
Abstract
THE PROJECT STAFF GATHERED BASIC INFORMATION ON THE EXISTING JURISDICTION AND OPERATION OF THE STATE COURTS, CONCENTRATING ON CURRENT FUNDING AND BUDGETING PRACTICES. IT IS BELIEVED THE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL FACILITATE STATEWIDE COURT PLANNING, REDUCE INEFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF JUDICIAL RESOURCES AND MATERIALS, AND PERMIT THE MASSACHUSETTS JUDICIARY A DEGREE OF FISCAL INDEPENDENCE. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE COMMONWEALTH ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCING ALL OF ITS COURTS AND AUXILIARY COURT SERVICES AND THAT REVENUE FROM FEES, FINES, PENALTIES AND FORFEITURES LEVIED BY A COURT SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE COMMONWEALTH'S GENERAL FUND. IT IS URGED THAT SINGLE UNIFIED BUDGETS BE PREPARED FOR THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT, APPEALS COURT, SUPERIOR COURT, PROBATE COURTS, DISTRICT COURTS, LAND COURT, JUVENILE COURTS, AND HOUSING COURT.