NCJ Number
164827
Journal
Full Court Press Volume: 2 Issue: 6 Dated: (November-December 1995) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1995
Length
22 pages
Annotation
These articles describe the transition the Florida State courts are currently undergoing and will undergo in the future as a result of new demands and public expectations of judges and court personnel.
Abstract
Florida operates the fourth largest court system in the United States. In fiscal year 1994-95, the circuits disposed of 737,786 cases, the county courts concluded more than 1 million cases plus 2 million traffic cases, the five district courts of appeal disposed of 20,233 cases, and the State Supreme Court disposed of 2,045 cases. Major challenges include funding, how to dispense justice, and the general misunderstanding among many people regarding what the courts can and cannot do. The court system has taken a proactive approach to meeting these challenges. It has introduced many innovations to deal with the high caseloads. These include alternative dispute resolution, family courts, drug courts, supplemental hearing officers, and more efficient office automation. In June 1995 the Chief Justice established the Judicial Management Council (JMC), a 30-member multidisciplinary advisory group, to assist in court planning and public education. The JMC is developing a long-range strategic plan, as well as an interim plan for use during the 2-year period beginning in mid-1996. The ability to change and work efficiently will rest on the ability to remain a proper balance between government, personal lives, and businesses and among the three branches of government. Figures, map, and photographs