ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY (MD) - EVALUATION OF THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE CIRCUIT COURT - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 39694
• Author(s): E FRIESEN
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 21 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-013-76
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

REPORT DETERMINES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COURT CALENDAR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, AND OFFERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT.

Abstract

THE STUDY FOUND THAT THE CIRCUIT COURT ACTS MORE AS A COLLECTION OF JUDGES THAN AS A COURT, WITH EACH JUDGE RUNNING HIS AFFAIRS BY HIS OWN STANDARDS. PROBLEMS MANIFEST IN THE SYSTEM INCLUDED OVER-ACCOMMODATION TO ATTORNEYS REGARDING REQUESTS FOR TRIAL DELAYS, THE LACK OF TIME BY SECRETARIES TO PERFORM NECESSARY JOB TASKS, AND VARIATION AMONG JUDGES' STAFF ON HOW TO HANDLE A CASELOAD. THE STUDY RECOMMENDED CONTINUING THE INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM, DEVELOPING A STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING EACH TYPE OF CASE, AND DESIGNING A SIMPLE INFORMATION GATHERING AND REPORTING SYSTEM ON CASE STATUS....BS