NCJ Number
77061
Journal
Appellate Court Administrative Review Issue: 3 Dated: (1980-1981) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the organization, purpose, and accomplishments of the Office for Improvements in the Administration of Justice (OIAJ), which was created within the United States Department of Justice in 1977.
Abstract
The office was organized by the Attorney General in response to an acute need to enhance the delivery of justice in the United States. OIAJ is headed by an Assistant Attorney General and operates under the direction of the Attorney General. The 20-member staff of professionals works closely with other units in the department and with other Federal agencies, the courts, Congress, and private citizens and organizations in formulating and reviewing measures to improve the justice system. Specific projects undertaken by the office fall into three categories: developing and supporting the enactment of legislation to improve the justice system; formulating recommendations for improvements in the policies and practices of the Department of Justice; and devising, financing, and overseeing research efforts and projects that implement the goals of the office or the department. In addition, the office administers the Federal Justice Research Program. The work of OIAJ is conducted primarily within the framework of 2-year agendas. Projects and programs thus far have focused on four major goals; ensuring access to effective justice for all citizens through more effective courts and justice system personnel, reducing the impact of crime on citizens and the courts through substantive reforms in the Federal and procedural law in criminal cases, reducing impediments to justice resulting from separation of powers and federalism, and increasing and improving research efforts focusing on administration. The office has developed several legislative measures, such as the Dispute Resolution Act, which have been acted upon by Congress. In addition to legislative efforts, the office has undertaken projects relating to the internal practices of the department, such as the office's study of the implementation of the 1978 Speedy Trial Act. Recent efforts include the development of proposals to make litigation of modest claims affordable.