NCJ Number
129921
Journal
State Legislative Report Volume: 15 Issue: 14 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Surveys and a conference sponsored by the National Center for State Courts and the National Conference of State Legislatures have developed an action agenda for improving communication between State legislatures and the judiciary without undermining the doctrine of separation of powers.
Abstract
The project began in 1989 and gathered information from legislators, legislative staff, judges, and court officials. Results showed that the traditional roles of the legislature and the judiciary make a certain amount of friction inherent and even healthy. However, legislators sometimes perceive the courts as exceeding their judicial authority, while judges view legislatures as sometimes making funding decisions in retaliation against unpopular judicial decisions or as a source of pressure for particular decisions. Recommendations for improving communications include establishing formal communication mechanisms such as meetings, legislative liaisons in the judiciary, and advisory opinions; education and orientation programs; informal communication mechanisms; and efforts to address funding and planning issues. List of future tasks, reference notes, and appended figures and map