NCJ Number
95468
Date Published
1984
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This document identifies and assesses the experiences of jurisdictions around the country that have used lawyers as judicial adjuncts, and it uses this information to develop nationally applicable guidelines concerning the most appropriate uses of lawyers in such roles.
Abstract
Three information-gathering efforts were involved: (1) a survey was sent to all 50 States and the District of Columbia to determine what type of judicial adjunct programs currently are permitted; (2) four general jurisdiction trial courts that make extensive use of judicial adjuncts were visited, and information on the use of lawyers as pro tem appellate judges in Oklahoma was obtained; and (3) statistical data from programs at each field site were collected through a survey. Then, six demonstration projects were implemented to assist courts in establishing experimental programs involving several different uses of judicial adjuncts, monitoring their progress, and evaluating the results. The nine guidelines developed focus on the use of lawyers to supplement judicial resources, establishment of a judicial adjunct program, the scope of judicial adjunct programs, selection of judicial adjuncts, orientation and training of judicial adjuncts, party consent to appear before a judicial adjunct, ethical considerations, compensation, and facilities and other resources. A commentary is supplied for each guideline. Appendixes provide sample legal provisions regarding judges pro tempore; summaries of information for Pittsburgh, Seattle, Orange County, Phoenix, and the Oklahoma courts of appeal; and a table illustrating States' use of judicial adjuncts. Twelve references are included.