NCJ Number
107424
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1987) Pages: 13-17,42-43
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the planning, implementation, and operation of Connecticut's judicial evaluation program.
Abstract
Connecticut was included in the National Center for State Courts' 1983 six-State project to develop a procedure for judicial performance evaluation. Connecticut's chief justice appointed a committee to study the evaluation of judicial performance. The committee recommended three categories of criteria for evaluating judges: demeanor, legal ability, and judicial management skills. Demeanor includes judicial personality and behavior in conducting court proceedings. Legal ability includes legal knowledge and understanding as well as their application in courtroom proceedings. Judicial management skills include the ability to act decisively in ensuring that cases are handled efficiently and properly. To implement these criteria, the planning committee recommended questionnaire surveys of four respondent groups: attorneys, jurors, appellate judges, and administrative judges. The chief justice accepted the committee recommendations and appointed a judicial advisory panel to implement the program. Respondents are granted anonymity. Although the primary goal of the evaluation is to improve the performance of active trial judges, the Connecticut Legislature also uses evaluation information in considering judges for reappointment. After 2 years of operation, the program has achieved its goals.