NCJ Number
45080
Journal
American Bar Association Journal Volume: 64 Dated: (JANUARY 1978) Pages: 53-59
Date Published
1978
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE WORK BEING DONE BY THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FROM A 1976 CONFERENCE ON CAUSES OF DISSATISFACTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE ARE SUMMARIZED.
Abstract
NEW MECHANISMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF JUSTICE ARE BEING ESTABLISHED TO HELP RELIEVE OVERCROWDING IN THE COURTS. NEIGHBORHOOD JUSTICE CENTERS WILL PROVIDE MEDIATION OR ARBITRATION SERVICES THROUGH A PANEL OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, IF BOTH PARTIES AGREE TO THIS TYPE OF ARBITRATION; IF NOT, THE CENTER WILL REFER THE PARTIES TO AN APPROPRIATE AGENCY OR COURT. THE PROBLEM OF MINOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION IS BEING STUDIED, AND THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS ASSISTING STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN ESTABLISHING ADEQUATE MECHANISMS TO IMPROVE HANDLING OF MINOR CIVIL AND CRIMINAL DISPUTES. LEGISLATION IS BEING DEVELOPED TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF ARBITRATION IN THE FEDERAL COURTS FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF CIVIL CASES, WHEN THE PARTIES AGREE TO ARBITRATION AND DAMAGES SOUGHT DO NOT EXCEED A CERTAIN AMOUNT. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE CONCERNING NO-FAULT INSURANCE LEGISLATION AND DECRIMINALIZATION OF THE POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF MARIJUANA. REFORMS ARE BEING STUDIED AND INSTITUTED IN THE AREA OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: DETERRENTS TO ILLEGAL SEARCHES AND SEIZURES ARE BEING DEVELOPED; UNIFORM SENTENCING REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN ENACTED; AND CORRECTIONAL SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN UPGRADED. REFORMS BEING CONSIDERED IN THE AREA OF CIVIL PROCEDURE INCLUDE: ELIMINATING ABUSES IN THE USE OF PRETRIAL DISCOVERY PROCEDURES; DEVELOPING DETERRENTS TO NEEDLESS EXTENSION OF APPEALS; AND ASSURING THE QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION IN CLASS ACTION SUITS. PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES TO ALL PERSONS; ASSURANCE OF THE QUALITY OF FEDERAL JUDGES; AND ESTABLISHMENT OF IMPROVED STATISTICAL CAPABILITY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ARE OTHER IMPROVEMENTS BEING CONSIDERED. FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING RESPONSES OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, SEE NCJ #45081.