NCJ Number
102723
Date Published
1985
Length
146 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the current status of the courts in Victoria,Australia; identifies major problems and issues due to the courts' failure to adapt to changing needs; and proposes an integrated strategy for the long-term development of the court system.
Abstract
The current status of Victoria's court system is marked by the failure of the magistrates' courts' jurisdiction to adapt to changing community needs and a lack of court control over court hearing scheduling. Neither are the courts sufficiently accessible to the community. Court administrative systems inhibit effective services, and staff training is required to redefine court clerk roles so as to provide more attractive career opportunities. Court buildings and facilities are inefficient and outdated. A fundamental element in the plan to reform court administration is the management of the court system through a regional organizational structure. This is intended to improve community access to the courts by facilitating courts' adaptation to the varying needs of the communities they serve. The proposal to provide visiting services by court clerks in rural areas is another effort to make the courts more responsive to the people. Priorities are assigned for changes in court buildings and facilities. Appendixes list the communities in the proposed regions, describe court clerk tasks, and present regional statistics.