NCJ Number
53056
Date Published
1978
Length
66 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT FROM A CITIZENS CONFERENCE DEALS WITH THE EFFICIENCY OF THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS, LEGAL SERVICES, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LAWYERS, AND FUNDING, MANAGEMENT, AND PERSONNEL OF THE STATE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
Abstract
THIS REPORT PRESENTS THE DISCUSSIONS OF THE PANELS DEALING WITH THE ASSIGNED TOPICS. THE PANEL WHICH CONSIDERED 'IMPROVING THE SPEED AND EFFICIENCY OF THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS' DISCUSSED THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: (1) REDUCTION OF INPUT INTO THE LEGAL SYSTEM, WHICH INVOLVED COMMENTS ON DIVERSIONARY PROGRAMS, DECRIMINALIZATION, ARBITRATION IN CIVIL DISPUTES, AND LEGISLATION DEALING WITH JUDICIAL SYSTEM INPUT; (2) TRIAL LEVEL PROBLEMS, WHICH DEALT WITH CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS (LAWYER AVAILABILITY, PLEA BARGAINING, AND SENTENCING), CIVIL PROCEEDINGS, AND MONITORING OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM; AND (3) APPELLATE LEVEL PROBLEMS (BRIEF CONSIDERATION). THE PANEL ON 'AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL SERVICES' NOTED THAT THERE ARE UNMET NEEDS FOR LEGAL SERVICES AMONG MIDDLE-INCOME AMERICANS, AND SUGGESTIONS OF HOW THE ORGANIZED BAR CAN BEST MEET THESE NEEDS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: (1) SELECTION OF A LAWYER, WHICH INCLUDED LAWYER ADVERTISING, LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE, LEGAL CLINICS, OLDER PHILADELPHIA LEGAL SERVICE PLAN, AND PUBLIC INTEREST PRACTICE; (2) FACTORS IN SELECTING A LAWYER; AND (3) ALTERNATIVES TO LAWYERS. THE PANEL ON 'IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LAWYERS' DISCUSSED THE ROLE OF THE LAW SCHOOLS, BAR ADMISSIONS, AND CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION, SPECIALIZATION, AND DISCIPLINE. THE PANEL DISCUSSING 'MANAGEMENT, PERSONNEL, AND FUNDING OF THE STATE JUDICIAL SYSTEM' RECOMMENDED A MANAGEMENT-ORIENTED STUDY OF THE ENTIRE JUSTICE SYSTEM, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERSONNEL STANDARDS THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM, AND STATE FUNDING FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. A SUMMARY OF THE DISCUSSION OF THE SECOND PORTION OF THE PLENARY SESSION IS PRESENTED ALONG WITH A LIST OF ISSUES BY PRIORITY BASED ON THE RESPONSES OF 29 OF THE 56 CONFEREES. (RCB)