MODERNIZING COURT ADMINISTRATION - THE CASE OF THE LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT

• NCJ Number: 7796
• Journal: Public Administration Review Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (MARCH/APRIL 1971) Pages: 133-143
• Author(s): R W GABLE
• Date Published: 1971
• Length: 11 pages
• Corporate Author: American Soc. for Public Admin
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

ACCOUNT OF THE DIFFICULTIES AND SUCCESSES EXPERIENCED BY THE FIRST COURT EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NATION'S LARGEST TRIAL COURT.

Abstract

THE SUPERIOR COURT OF LOS ANGELES HAD BEEN CONSIDERED ONLY AS ANOTHER DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. MUCH OF THE COURTS WORK, SUCH AS PROBATION REPORTS AND EVEN DISPOSITION OF JUVENILE TRAFFIC OFFENSES, WAS PERFORMED BY EMPLOYEES OF OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OVER WHOM THE COURT HAD NO CONTROL. THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER WAS A PROFESSIONAL MANAGER WHO BEGAN THE SLOW PROCESS OF CONSOLIDATION AND ESTABLISMENT OF JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE. THE HISTORY OF THE NEGOTIATIONS AND LEGISLATION NEEDED TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL ARE DETAILED AS ARE THE BUDGETARY ASPECTS OF DEVELOPING A SELF-SUFFICIENT JUDICIARY.