NCJ Number
82498
Journal
American University Law Review Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1982) Pages: 255-271
Date Published
1982
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Measures to improve the operations of rural courts are discussed.
Abstract
Rural courts are usually more informal, flexible, and personal than metropolitan courts. Thus, improvements in the administration of justice in rural areas must be adapted to these characteristics. Many rural courts have organized programs around volunteers since they lack both specialists for many court services and the economy of scale to permit a fully developed court staff. Volunteers have been used extensively in courts for probation and juvenile counseling, and they are an integral part of many victim-witness programs. Two rural counties in Indiana have established a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program that makes use of volunteers. Volunteers can also be a valuable resource for a local court in matters requiring special expertise, such as the case of local physicians organizing seminars on medical terminology and procedures for court personnel. Rural courts have also turned to technology to overcome problems associated with long distances and isolation. The telephone, the telecopier, and videotape and closed-circuit television have been useful in operating rural courts. Rural court employees have also found it necessary to consolidate functions. For example, Idaho has established regional trial court administrators who have judicial duties as magistrates. Some courts have combined procedures rather than staff positions, and regionalization of court services in most States is common, particularly in the area of social services. State involvement often is necessary for successful development of rural court management practices, and an understanding of rural courts' needs and concerns is a major factor in the success of the State's involvement. Footnotes are included.