NCJ Number
46697
Date Published
1975
Length
13 pages
Annotation
MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS AND PROBLEMS IN THE JUDICIARY AND IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN DELAWARE DURING 1974-1975 ARE OUTLINED AND FUTURE PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE PRESENTED.
Abstract
AMONG IMPROVEMENTS AFFECTING THE DELAWARE JUDICIARY HAVE BEEN THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE SUPERIOR COURT FACILITIES, THE BUILDING OF ADDITIONAL COUNTY COURT FACILITIES, INCREASES IN JUDICIAL SALARIES, ACCELERATION OF CASE DISPOSITIONS, STRENGTHENING OF ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES FOR THE LEGAL ETHICS CODE, ENACTMENT OF A REFORMED PROBATE CODE, REDUCTION OF THE SERIOUS FELONY BACKLOG, DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER-BASED COURT INFORMATION SYSTEM, AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE REPORTING SYSTEM, IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE JUDICIARY AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS, AND GREATER INTERBRANCH UNIFICATION AMONG THE VARIOUS COURTS. THE IMPORTANCE OF SWIFT AND CERTAIN JUSTICE TO THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC, GOVERNMENTAL, AND DEFENDANT INTEREST AND RIGHTS IS EMPHASIZED AND CONTINUING EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TOWARD THIS END. THE MAJOR PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO PERTAIN TO THE LARGE BACKLOGS AND WORKLOADS FACING ALL THE STATE COURTS AND THE INADEQUATE FACILITIES AND SHORTAGE OF FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES WHICH COMPOUND THE PROBLEMS OF MEETING JUDICIAL NEEDS. A MINIMUM LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM TO ALLEVIATE THESE PROBLEMS HAS BEEN PROPOSED WHICH INVOLVES TRANSFERS IN JURISDICTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES AMONG THE COURTS, THE APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL JUDGES, AND INCREASED SALARIES FOR JUDGES AND JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. FUTURE PLANS INCLUDE ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL FACILITIES, THE ADOPTION OF PROCEDURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES WHICH WILL FACILITATE CASE DISPOSITION, AND A CONTINUING EMPHASIS ON IMPROVED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, AND OVERALL IMPROVEMENT OF THE DELIVERY OF JUSTICE. (JAP)