Toward an Understanding of 'Local Legal Culture'

• NCJ Number: 80666
• Journal: Justice System Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1981) Pages: 200-217
• Author(s): D R Sherwood; M A Clarke
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Available on Microfiche as NCJ-80663

Annotation

This article reports the results of an Institute for Court Management symposium, held with personnel in the 3rd Judicial Circuit (Wayne County, Michigan). The symposium used a questionnaire to identify the participants' perceptions - and their views of others' perceptions - on a range of subjects, including items related to civil case delay.

Abstract

The results suggested a high degree of agreement on many items, thus supporting the notion of a 'local legal culture.' It also found, however, that on some crucial matters, participants in the caseflow process may seriously misjudge the perceptions of other participants, thus frustrating the court's ability to exert leadership in caseflow management. (Author abstract)