NCJ Number
80717
Date Published
1961
Length
188 pages
Annotation
The discussion of traffic court procedure and administration covers the traffic judge's work, the traffic complaint, precourt and postcourt case processing, courtroom procedure, court administration, and judicial responsibility.
Abstract
The text notes that improvements in traffic court procedures and administration should be initiated by judges, just as they should determine the extent of their court's jurisdiction. Various aspects of the traffic complaint are considered, and administrative aspects of precourt case processing are examined, including budgeting for the cost of the combined complaint and summons, as well as the cost of other forms, records, and reports. Other matters considered in precourt case processing are police processing, the master control and disposition ledger, police filing of traffic cases, the daily transmittal, complaint filing, bail processing, and special problems such as nonresident violators and continuance prior to trial. Courtroom procedure is discussed in detail from the opening to the closing ceremonies, while the chapter on postcourt case processing covers all matters that may transpire after the trial is completed. Next, a chapter on administration gives attention to facilities, personnel, management of court business, and accountability. A final chapter reviews judicial responsibility. Appended are the National Standards for Improving the Administration of Justice in Traffic Courts, the Chief Justices' resolutions, immediate and long-range needs for traffic court improvement, and recommendations of the President's Committee for Traffic Safety. Model rules governing procedure in traffic cases and samples of uniform traffic tickets also are appended. A subject index and 27 footnotes are provided.