NCJ Number
84443
Date Published
1981
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This study proposes a new personnel system, including a classification plan and a compensation plan, for Virginia's circuit court system. It includes system costs and implementation plans.
Abstract
Staff of the LEAA-Supported study gathered data during site visits to 80 circuit court clerks' offices and through a mail survey of the remaining offices. The proposed system focuses on these offices' staffs and offers a personnel administration tool to promote equitable, uniform management of court personnel. The proposals are based on the premise that court systems should administer themselves and should be independent from undue influence from other government branches. A statewide classification and compensation plan should be adopted for the circuit courts, and administration of court personnel should be removed from the Virginia Compensation Board and placed with the Judicial Council. The fee system of compensation should be replaced with a salary system and salary levels increased for many positions. The 19 proposed job positions are based on a point system rating each job in such areas as the education and experience required and the complexity and variety of the tasks performed. These points aretied to salary ranges. System implementation will result in changes in the flow and control of revenues and expenditures through the circuit clerk's office and in slightly higher personnel costs. It will entail 12 phases which should be completed by July 1983 if the system is enacted by the general assembly. Tables are included.