NCJ Number
64885
Date Published
1978
Length
30 pages
Annotation
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPREME COURT INCLUDES DISCUSSION ON THE HISTORY AND FUNCTION OF THE STATE'S HIGHEST COURT, THE ROLE OF COURT STAFF, THE APPEAL PROCESS, AND COURT FACILITIES.
Abstract
IN 1776, THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUDICATURE, THE FORERUNNER OF TODAY'S NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPREME COURT, WAS ESTABLISHED AND RECOGNIZED AS THE ONLY APPELLATE TRIBUNAL. THIS COURT CONSISTED OF FOUR JUSTICES AND HAD JURISDICTION AND AUTHORITY THROUGHOUT THE COLONY. THE JUDICIARY WAS REMODELED BY STATUTE IN 1855 AND IN 1877, THE LEGISLATURE EXPANDED THE SUPREME COURT TO INCLUDE SEVEN MEMBERS. IN 1978, THE COURT WAS GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ADMINISTERING ALL COURTS WITHIN THE STATE. THE PRIMARY PURPOSES OF THE SUPREME COURT ARE TO CORRECT ERRORS IN TRIAL COURT PROCEEDINGS, TO ENSURE JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW TO ALL LITIGANTS, TO PRONOUNCE AND HARMONIZE ALL DECISIONAL LAW OF NEW HAMPSHIRE COURTS AND AGENCIES, AND TO SUPERVISE THE COURTS. IN ADDITION, THE CUT IS EMPOWERED TO ISSUE ADVISORY OPINIONS AND TO SUPERVISE ADMISSION TO THE STATE BAR. THE COURT CONSISTS OF FIVE JUSTICES, EACH OF WHOM IS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL FOR A TERM OF OFFICE WHICH CONTINUES UNTIL THE AGE OF 70. THE COURT HOLDS MONTHLY SESSIONS, GENERALLY BEGINNING ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. THE COURT STAFF CONSISTS OF TRAINED LAW CLERKS AND A CLERK OF THE COURT. THE CLERK RECORDS THE ORDERS, OPINIONS, AND DIRECTIVES IN EACH CASE. THE COURT'S CASELOAD HAS INCREASED TO 300 CASES EACH YEAR. OPINIONS ARE HANDED DOWN APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 60 DAYS FOLLOWING THE TIME THAT CASES ARE SUBMITTED. SINCE 1970, THE SUPREME COURT HAS OCCUPIED A SPECIALLY DESIGNED BUILDING LOCATED IN CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE. THE BUILDING HOUSES A COURTROOM, CONFERENCE ROOMS, OFFICES, AND THE STATE LAW LIBRARY. FOOTNOTES AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE PROVIDED. APPENDIXES PRESENT A GLOSSARY OF COURT-RELATED TERMS, A LIST OF COURT JUSTICES, BIOGRAPHIES OF CURRENT COURT MEMBERS, AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY. (LWM)