NCJ Number
150783
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 80 Dated: (August 1994) Pages: 45-58,60-61
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This compilation of articles examines difficult questions facing the justice system; particular attention is paid to public expectations of the justice system, how courts are coping in the face of limited resources, and whether equal justice is something society and government can afford.
Abstract
The first article notes that whether Americans get what they want from the legal system depends on the system's ability to stretch limited resources. One survey indicates that only 14 percent of Americans believe the legal system can achieve equal justice, while 34 percent endorse higher justice system expenditures. Other surveys document lack of confidence in the justice system and the negative experience of crime victims with the justice system. Despite this apparent lack of confidence, however, the judiciary still enjoys a significant amount of respect relative to other branches of government. The second article notes that, while spending on the justice system has increased over the years, State court systems are still overwhelmed by burgeoning criminal and civil dockets. The National Center for State Courts indicates that courts have taken several steps to deal with reduced fiscal resources, such as combining varied jurisdiction trial courts into single-level courts, consolidating administrative functions to reduce or eliminate duplication, raising fees and fines, and implementing better management techniques. Statistics on court and justice system expenditures are provided, and specific organizational and operational changes several States have made to maintain a viable court system with less money are noted. The third article examines disparities in the justice system, the importance of equal justice and access to legal services, economic pressures on the justice system, and alternatives to court for resolving legal disputes (mediation and arbitration).