NCJ Number
90145
Date Published
1982
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This 1981 study produced extensive data on Wisconsin's municipal courts and yielded recommendations for improving the ability of municipal courts to handle their caseloads in a just, timely, and efficient manner.
Abstract
Specific goals of the study were to (1) inventory and describe the municipal court system and caseload; (2) compile and investigate existing statutes, rules, and procedures affecting jurisdiction and court operations; (3) identify and analyze specific needs and problems in municipal courts; and (4) recommend statutory and administrative changes necessary to the improvement of the municipal court system, including the identification of resources which must be made available to these local courts. Data were obtained from interviews and observations in 12 municipal courts and a mail survey of 155 municipal judges. Following a brief portrayal of the Wisconsin municipal courts, the study background and methodology are detailed. The survey questionnaire and survey results are then presented. Findings and recommendations are presented in the areas of judicial qualifications, code of ethics, and conflicts of interest; judicial training and legal resources; judicial activity statistics; judicial functions and sentencing alternatives; facilities, records, and equipment; and municipal ordinance cases in circuit court. Various charts are provided.