NCJ Number
189997
Journal
Judicature Volume: 84 Issue: 6 Dated: May/June 2001 Pages: 314-325
Editor(s)
David Richert
Date Published
2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examined the use of computer technology and State supreme courts in offering new opportunities to judges as individuals and courts as institutions to conduct unmediated communications with their constituencies.
Abstract
In reviewing issues arising from the new opportunities presented by the Internet and websites, this article examined websites from outside and experiences from the inside of a number of State supreme courts. A survey was conducted in 1999 which reviewed websites of State judiciaries and supreme courts. In the mid-1990's, Internet use increased in the United States and State governments began to establish a presence. Between 1995 and 1998, most State supreme courts had created their own web pages. The potential audiences have made courts aware of a critical mass that justifies the allocation of significant resources. The primary or initial purpose of court websites was information distribution, such as written opinions and schedules of oral arguments. In addition, websites brought information and materials that otherwise would reach a limited audience (i.e., employment opportunities, press releases, and bar-related information). The survey strongly supported the notion that judges were both aware and actively involved in the creation of websites. Some evidence suggested that some judges have active oversight for changes to the court websites. Overall, the results suggested that court use of websites flows from a consideration of political incentives. Websites have the potential to open radically new windows to judges as individuals and courts as institutions. Graphs and tables