NCJ Number
81692
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The ex-Governor of Washington discusses current public opinion and demographic trends affecting court reform and suggests measures State court judges can take through the National Center to improve justice operations.
Abstract
Opinion polls indicate little public interest and confidence in as well as knowledge of the justice system and the State courts in particular. A decline in the 15-19 year-old population has been projected for the next decade, and this may influence crime trends and social problems. Unemployment may be expected to rise, and juvenile crimes will probably be replaced by an increase in adult crimes. Current justice system problems result from the dominant decisionmaking role played by persons never elected to public office (bureaucrats, interest group lobbyists, congressional staffers) and the growing Federal involvement in State courts through LEAA funding. State court judges have the power, particularly as a group through their National Center, to counteract these problems. They should exercise their influence upon media editorial boards to address judicial system concerns and to promote better public understanding. They should also reach out for allies among the police, prosecutors, and State government officials to make the system work better. Cooperation should be fostered with the National Conference of State Legislators and the Governors' Conference. Funding and implementation efforts to improve the State court systems should come from the States themselves and from private foundations.