NCJ Number
120923
Date Published
1989
Length
129 pages
Annotation
This report of the Arizona Supreme Court Commission on the Courts, established June 21, 1988, presents a long-range plan for the judiciary, recommendations and strategies for improving the court system, and a plan for implementing changes.
Abstract
Recommendations for organizing the court system focus on structure, jurisdiction, and geographic organization, as well as the Arizona Supreme Court. Proposals for managing the courts address the Judicial Council and the management of the judiciary. Among the topics addressed in recommendations for staffing the system are personnel qualifications, "grandfathering" judges currently in office, evaluation and retention, judicial discipline, and merit selection. Recommendations also cover nonjudicial personnel. The establishment of alternative dispute resolution programs is also considered. Recommendations on the enhancement of court productivity cover caseflow management, information use, and the role of lawyers in enhancing court productivity. Recommendations on some issues affecting the criminal justice system cover victims and witnesses, sentencing youthful offenders, postconviction proceedings, and the judicial role in settlement-related discussions. Other recommendations address juvenile and family courts, public access to the courts, fiscal issues, and issues for further study. Appended charts.