NCJ Number
151501
Date Published
1993
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This guidebook provides ideas, problems, and concerns discussed at a workshop on futures planning for State courts held in Nashville, Tenn., in April 1993; describes significant State court futures activities from 22 States, along with preliminary plans for futures activities developed by State teams at the workshop; and provides additional resources for further information.
Abstract
The intent of this guidebook is to stimulate court futures planning in States that have not yet done so and to encourage continued activities in the States that have. Futures studies involve thinking about the future in a systematic fashion so as to plan for predicted changes that will require an organizational system to change in order to meet future challenges. This guidebook first discusses the nature of futures planning for the courts; the formation of a futures commission to provide ideas for meeting future challenges; the nature of futures research; how to conduct a futures conference; and rules changes, administrative orders, and legislation. Fundraising for futures studies from foundations and other sources is then discussed. A review of State court futures activities of particular States shows that many States have developed short-term and ongoing futures commissions or committees to develop a vision for the courts. Some have conducted futures conferences at which participants have discussed trends, scenarios, visions, and strategies for the courts. Scholarly and public opinion research has been helpful for some jurisdictions in the development of their futures efforts. Rules changes, administrative orders, and legislation have been implemented in various States to achieve a preferred vision for the courts. Plans for new State court futures projects are also described.