NCJ Number
113237
Journal
Judicature Volume: 72 Issue: 1 Dated: (June-July 1988) Pages: 7-11
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Types of research that have affected the courts and court policy are management research, law reform research, research on institutional change, predictions of dangerousness, and research on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Abstract
Management research has focused on a number of issues related to court management, notably habeas corpus, the adequacy of defense counsel representation, and the extent and causes of case delay. Law reform research has focused on the need for law reform and assessment of the effectiveness of law reform initiatives. Some examples of such research are in the areas of sentence alternatives designed to reduce prison overcrowding and the effectiveness and use of fines. Evaluation research has guided the development of sentencing guidelines, and research on factors in dangerousness has helped to identify correlations between drug use and crime. Research on the characteristics and transmission of AIDS has impacted decisions pertaining to pretrial release and sentencing. The interaction of research and policymaking in the aforementioned areas indicates the need for better collaboration between law practitioners and researchers. 7 footnotes.