Public Information and Community Relations Activities of State Administrative Offices of the Courts - A Survey

• NCJ Number: 78442
• Author(s): J T Daniel; M Scudi
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 189 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-011-78
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This survey documents the public information/community relations activities conducted by the State administrative offices of the courts (AOC'S).

Abstract

Survey data were collected by means of mail questionnaires completed by AOC directors or their designates in each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and several territories. Data collection took place between August and November 1980, and several questionnaires were completed through telephone interviews. Results of the survey, which focused primarily on public attitudes toward State and Federal courts, demonstrated the continuing need for effective court public information/community relations programs. Findings revealed that the general public's knowledge of the direct experience with courts is low. The general public and community leaders are dissatisfied with the performance of courts, and they rank courts lower than many other major American institutions. Those persons having knowledge of and experience with courts voice the greatest dissatisfaction and criticism. In spite of the limited knowledge and dissatisfaction, the interest of the public in courts is high, and there is impressive support for reform and improvement. The survey also suggested that in most jurisdictions, the courts' conventional methods of relating to the public should be reevaluated. Footnotes, charts, and appendixes presenting the survey instrument, sample media guidelines, and related materials are provided.