NCJ Number
72441
Date Published
1980
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The 1980 annual report of the American Judicature Society (AJS) presents current issues confronting the American justice system in order that its members can offer suggestions about future directions of inquiry for AJS.
Abstract
Several projects dealt with the question of how new judges should be selected and the evaluation of judges already appointed to the bench. Almost every State has established a discipline commission to handle the problems of corruption, incompetence, and disability. To help these commissions do their job more effectively, AJS created The Center for Judicial Conduct Organizations in 1977, and 37 States have already subscribed to its services. In 1980, the center sponsored a national conference for more than 200 participants. The main goal of AJS is the development, evaluation, and dissemination of ideas for improvements in the administration of justice. AJS acts as a national and international clearinghouse of facts, opinions, and research and in so doing, becomes a catalyst for change. Specifically, AJS worked in many States with citizen groups and legislative leaders who were seeking ways to strengthen their judicial system. These States included Louisiana, Connecticut, South Carolina, and Ohio. The report also describes other AJS projects relating to trial judges, delays in the criminal courts, misdemeanor justice, judicial conduct, and rulemaking. A financial summary is provided, along with a list of contributors to AJS. Photographs and lists of recent projects and publications are included.