NCJ Number
155417
Date Published
1995
Length
183 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology, findings, and recommendations of a study of the administration of the Lebanon Municipal Court (Oregon).
Abstract
The study involved interviews with court staff and others who interact with the court, analysis of court clerks' tasks, timing and observation of selected court activities and processes, analysis of the software and its use, visits to other municipal and State courts to learn about court processes, and a review of current literature and statutes on selected topics. The most critical issues pertain to broad, systemic problems that affect most aspects of the court's work. Among the systemic problems are the court's failure to have all of its forms up and running from the software JALAN, a significant backlog of work, the court's grouping and storing of case files according to status, and the frequency and length of court clerks' telephone and counter transactions. The study also found that the judge is not available enough hours. Detailed findings and recommendations are offered in these areas. Appended supplementary information and 11-item bibliography