Structural Change and Its Implementation in the Connecticut Court System (From Court Reform in Seven States, P 57-86, 1980, Lee Powell, ed. - See NCJ-74456)

• NCJ Number: 74459
• Author(s): A B Fisser
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 30 pages
• Sale Source: National Ctr for State Courts
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Recent court reform activity in the State of Connecticut is described; court unification and the development of administrative capabilities are emphasized.

Abstract

The Connecticut court system is one of the most unified in the country. The change to a unified court was the inevitable, conclusive step in more than 160 years of organizational evolution. By 1957, reorganization, integration, and consolidation were works used frequently within the State in reference to its courts. In 1959, the legislature eliminated local courts by creating the circuit court to replace all municipal, trial justice, justice of the peace, police, city, traffic, and borough courts. Nevertheless, the impetus for greater change continued even after the elimination of local courts and the creation of the statewide circuit court. Continued congestion and delay underscored the need for additional improvement. After extensive study by a special committee, recommendations were made to the legislature. Effective January 1, 1975, the circuit court was abolished, and its functions and jurisdiction were consolidated with the court of common pleas. Improvements in the administrative capacities of the courts paralleled the changes in structure. Centralization of functions many years prior to structural change was an important factor affecting the ultimate success of unification. Such functions as personnel, finance and budget, recordkeeping, facilities control, purchasing, jury management, and data processing were operating efficiently; this permitted attention to focus on general structural change. It is concluded that the four factors that contributed most to successful unification were the lengthy transition period, a strong, centralized administrative office, existing efficient administrative machinery, and experienced personnel. Appendixes showing major structural changes in the Connecticut courts and listing suggested workshop discussion topics are included. This paper is part of a collection of narratives published by the National Center for State Courts.