NCJ Number
34419
Date Published
1976
Length
100 pages
Annotation
FINAL REPORT ON A PROJECT TO DEVELOP A PRACTICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN FOR THE INDIANA TRIAL COURT SYSTEM THROUGH AN EXAMINATION OF THE COURTS' JURISDICTION, FINANCING, FUNCTIONS, PROCEDURES, AND STAFFING.
Abstract
IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE PROJECT GOALS, A SPECIAL PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSULTED MEMBERS OF THE INDIANA JUDICIAL STUDY COMMITTEE, INTERVIEWED TRIAL JUDGES, AND CONDUCTED ON-SITE FIELD VISITS TO SEVERAL COUNTY COURTS. IN ADDITION, A UNIFIED BODY OF FISCAL DATA WAS COMPLED, AND A PRELIMINARY DRAFT REPORT WAS SUBMITTED TO THOSE TRIAL JUDGES WHO HAD BEEN INTERVIEWED FOR REVIEW AND COMMENTARY. THE STUDY FOUND THAT INDIANA'S TRIAL COURTS WOULD BENEFIT FROM A COMPREHENSIVE PROFESSIONAL COURT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, LOCAL TRIAL ADMINISTRATORS, AND DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATORS. ALSO RECOMMENDED IS THE ELIMINATION OF JURISDICTIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL FRAGMENTATION THROUGH REORGANIZATION. THE CREATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED BODY OF STATEWIDE INFORMATION CONCERNING EXISTING AND ALTERNATE MEANS OF COURT FINANCING IS URGED. SPECIFIC OBJECTICES AND IMPLEMENTATION PLANS ARE INCLUDED. FISCAL DATA AND THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE ARE INCLUDED IN APPENDIXES.