OHIO MUNICIPAL COURT - OPERATING PROCEDURES STUDY

• NCJ Number: 38342
• Author(s): C W VASIL
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 125 pages
• Grant Number(s): 74-BC-E02-4833
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice; Ohio Dept of Economic and Community Development
• Corporate Author: Ohio Municipal Judges Assoc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS REPORT PRESENTS THE FINDINGS OF A STUDY WHICH SURVEYED 88 OF THE MUNICIPAL COURTS IN OHIO IN RELATION TO RECORDS MANAGEMENT, CLERICAL PROBLEMS, AND THE AMOUNT OF MECHANIZATION INVOLVED IN COURT OPERATIONS.

Abstract

THIS SURVEY WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY MEANS OF A QUESTIONNAIRE MAILED TO EVERY MUNICIPAL COURT IN OHIO, OF WHICH 77.9 PERCENT RESPONDED. ON THE BASIS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES, THE MUNICIPAL COURTS OF GIRARD, LIMA, MARION COUNTY, PORTSMOUTH, AND SPRINGFIELD WERE CHOSEN FOR ON-SITE VISITS BECAUSE THEY REPORTED OPERATING EFFICIENCIES IN CERTAIN CASE PROCESSING AREAS. IN ADDITION TO SURVEYING INDIVIDUAL COURTS, LEGAL RESEARCH WAS PERFORMED TO HELP CLARIFY PRESENT RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS AND TO EXAMINE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDED CHANGES. FINDINGS INDICATED THAT THE PRIMARY NEEDS OF OHIO'S MUNICIPAL COURTS INCLUDE STANDARDIZED BASIC RECORD SERIES, ESTABLISHMENT OF A RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE, IMPROVED OPERATING PROCEDURES, AND CENTRALIZED CONSULTING ASSISTANCE. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SET FORTH IN ALL OF THESE AREAS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)