DELAWARE - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, 1976 - ALTERNATIVE MECHANISMS TO FORMAL SENTENCING FOR ADULTS - CITIZEN DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTER - A PROGRAM/PROJECT EVALUATION

• NCJ Number: 45234
• Author(s): K BECKERSWAYZEGODDESS D, J
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 26 pages
• Grant Number(s): 76-012; 77-010
• Sponsoring Agency: Delaware Governor's Cmssn on Criminal Justice
• Corporate Author: Delaware Governor's Cmssn on Criminal Justice
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

AN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROGRAM IN WILMINGTON, DEL., IS DESCRIBED AND EVALUATED.

Abstract

THE MUNICIPAL COURT CITIZEN DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTER, PATTERNED AFTER A NIGHT PROSECUTOR PROGRAM IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, USES LAW STUDENTS AS HEARING OFFICERS. THE OFFICERS HELP PARTIES TO MINOR DISPUTES IN ARRIVING AT A MUTUAL AGREEMENT AND APPRISE THE PARTIES OF POSSIBLE LEGAL SANCTIONS THAT MAY RESULT FROM A FAILURE TO REACH AND ABIDE BY A SETTLEMENT. IN 11 MONTHS, 291 CASES WERE REFERRED TO THE CENTER. THE AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED TO PROCESS A CASE WAS 8 DAYS (COMPARED TO AN AVERAGE OF 41 DAYS FOR MISDEMEANOR CASES IN THE MUNICIPAL COURT PRIOR TO THE PROJECT). THE CENTER DISPOSED OF 5 PERCENT OF THE CASES FILED FOR REVIEW IN MUNICIPAL COURT DURING THE EVALUATION PERIOD. THE CENTER'S PER-CASE PROCESSING COST WAS $29, COMPARED TO $50 FOR THE COURT. THE PROJECT IS CREDITED WITH SAVING THE COURT 135 WORKING HOURS AND $5,991. PLANS FOR EXPANDING THE PROGRAM AND DEVELOPING A TRAINING PACKAGE FOR NEW HEARING OFFICERS ARE NOTED. SUPPORTING DATA ARE INCLUDED.