Judges and Trial Court Administrators Assess Nation's Criminal Justice Needs

• NCJ Number: 113584
• Author(s): H Nugent; J T McEwen
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 6 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: The August 1988 issue of the National Institute of Justice's 'Research in Action.'

Annotation

A 1986 national survey on the needs and problems of courts shows that many old problems and needs continue to exist and that a few new areas have emerged.

Abstract

Respondents were 164 judges and 135 trial court administrators across the Nation. The questionnaires addressed court background characteristics, criminal justice system problems, court workload, staffing, and court operations and procedures. Continuing problems noted by respondents are increasing numbers of motions and continuances, inadequate physical facilities and related security problems, and an inadequate number of judgeships. New needs identified are the need for more microcomputers in over half the courts and the need for more training on information and people management rather than on traditional legal topics. When asked to consider criminal justice system problems beyond their own areas of direct responsibility, the respondents were primarily concerned about prison and jail crowding. More than half the respondents wanted sentencing alternatives, particularly intensive probation, community incarceration options, and alcohol and drug diversion programs. 9 exhibits.