NCJ Number
195781
Date Published
2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This document is the annual report of the Maryland Judiciary for 2000-2001.
Abstract
The Maryland Judicial Council concentrated on the issue of fair and expeditious disposition of cases this year. There have been three developments as a result. The first is that the entire judiciary has been engaged in the development of case time standards for the trial courts. The second is that a data collection methodology for gathering critical data has been designed. Finally, an initial assessment of each trial court based on the standards has been completed. Assessment results suggest that there is room for improvement statewide and in every Maryland trial court. Each court will develop a plan that specifically identifies how it will improve case expedition and timeliness. Legislation passed in 2001 provides for the State assumption of law clerk salaries and benefits; the transferring of the juvenile court jurisdiction in Montgomery County from the District Court to the circuit court; and transferring cases between District and circuit courts when there have been multiple filings of domestic violence petitions, or when related cases are pending in circuit court. The Maryland Judiciary’s Foster Care Court Improvement Project (FCCIP) Implementation Committee successfully obtained passage of the Child In Need of Assistance (CINA) statute, which separates CINA provisions from the delinquency and Child In Need of Supervision (CINS) provisions. The District Court took the first steps toward installing a new digital recording system; installed video teleconferencing equipment in Baltimore City and the Court’s headquarters in Annapolis; and created a permanent Alternative Dispute Resolution office. The development and operation of drug courts is being standardized and aims to function at the highest levels. The Circuit Court Family Division focuses on planned growth, specialized programs, and changes designed to assist the courts in implementing the evaluation process initiated in the performance standards. Judges have been working closely with children and teens in their communities to foster education, awareness, and understanding. The Committee on Access to Court Records is expected to provide formal recommendations in early 2002.