TRAFFIC AND THE COURTS - SOCIAL CHANGE AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSE (FROM POTENTIAL FOR REFORM OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 1974 BY HERBERT JACOB - SEE NCJ-19989)

• NCJ Number: 19993
• Author(s): W G SKOGAN
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 41 pages
• Corporate Author: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

AN ESSAY WHICH EXAMINES THE PROBLEMS OF CASELOAD, VOLUME STRESS, AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSE IN RELATION TO THE BACKLOG PROBLEM RESULTING FROM TRAFFIC-RELATED OFFENSES.

Abstract

THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT ONE OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES TO THE ABILITY OF URBAN COURTS TO EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THEIR TASK HAS BEEN THE AUTOMOBILE. THE SOCIAL COSTS OF THE AUTOMOBILE ARE EXPLORED IN TERMS OF ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, DEATHS, AND INCREASED COURT CASES DUE TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. THE REGULATORY RESPONSE OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM IS THEN EXAMINED, WITH EMPHASIS ON FIGURES FOR THE CHICAGO AREA. FINALLY, THE ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSE OF THE COURTS TO THE VOLUME STRESS THAT TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS CREATED IS DISCUSSED. THE EVENTUAL RESPONSE IN CHICAGO WAS THE CREATION OF SPECIALIZED, AUTONOMOUS BRANCH COURTS WHICH COULD PROCESS TRAFFIC CASES QUICKLY. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)