NCJ Number
16505
Editor(s)
D W PATTERSON
Date Published
1974
Length
149 pages
Annotation
EXAMINES THE INFLUENCE OF THE FAMILY COURT IN PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY JUSTICE IF IT HAS A SOUND PHILOSOPHY, BROAD JURISDICTION AND STATUS, PROPER FUNDING AND OTHER RESOURCES, AND GOOD JUDGES AND ORGANIZED PERSONNEL.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR DEFINES AND DISCUSSES THE MODEL TRAITS OF A FAMILY COURT. HE STATES THAT THE COURT SHOULD ADHERE FIRMLY TO LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND HAVE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CORRECT (WITH MINIMAL INTERVENTION) THE PROBLEM THAT BROUGHT THE INDIVIDUAL INTO COURT. A SECOND TRAIT IS BROAD SUBSTANTIVE AND GEOGRAPHIC JURISDICTION OVER FAMILY MATTERS AND PROPER STATUS AND ACCESS TO RESOURCES. THE AUTHOR THEN RECOMMENDS A CLEAR-CUT, STRAIGHT-LINE CHAIN OF COMMAND AND RESPONSIBILITY IN JUDICIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)