In Defense of Court Managers - The Critics Misconceive Our Role (From First National Symposium on Court Management - Proceedings, P 53-61, 1982, Geoff Gallas and Amy Rausch, ed. - See NCJ-85306)

• NCJ Number: 85308
• Author(s): R C Harrall
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-85306

Annotation

This article identifies categories of criticisms of court managers and answers them by listing the general accomplishments of court managers.

Abstract

Academic criticisms of court managers can be categorized in the following statements: (1) the lack of proper documentation indicates court managers have not accomplished much; (2) court management has shown some notable failures; (3) efficiency as an end in itself works against the good of the court system; (4) court managers are trying to usurp the roles of others involved in court administration; and (5) court managers have not met prescribed standards for courts. In answer to these criticisms, the accomplishments of court managers can be recited. They have rendered technical assistance in such areas as personnel, finances, records management, jury management, case processing, and data processing. Court managers have also served as transfer vehicles for applying techniques and ideas coming to the courts from other areas and developed and maintained a focus on management options. Evaluation has been introduced to the courts by court administrators, and they have dealt with problems that judges have ignored. In addition, court managers have (1) presented the concept of judicial management to other areas of the community, (2) facilitated the management of an increasing number of court staff, (3) built bridges to other branches of government, and (4) created professional organizations that contribute to the education and technical assistance of the profession. Nine references are listed.