NCJ Number
84844
Date Published
1981
Length
96 pages
Annotation
In view of anticipated lower court organizational reform and changes in the role of lower court judges, a Finnish study examined how judges themselves regard the pressure for refocusing their roles as experts.
Abstract
A study questionnaire was mailed to the 423 lower court judges in Finland; 301 (71 percent) responded. The instrument tapped judges' attitudes and perceived needs for professional training in social science, technical skills, and legal specialties. Almost half felt that the current emphasis on technical skills was the most beneficial of the three training alternatives; one fourth ranked expertise in a special field of law first; and one seventh deemed societal knowledge most important. On more specific questions, however, over three fourths of the judges regarded practical experience in offender aftercare, prison administration, or police work as useful. Experience as a lawyer was deemed valuable for judges by 9 out of 10 respondents. Courses in new legislation and other procedural issues were desired by 90 percent; about half wished for further study of the organization and operation of society. Conversely, almost one third thought that a judge does not need additional societal knowledge. The study ascertained that the number of women judges has doubled in the last 7 years. Compared with a 1973 study, these respondents were younger in age, had done more extensive postgraduate study, and published more legal writings. Younger female judges appeared most in favor of increasing technical expertise, while older men supported societal broadening. The latter's extensive judicial experience may account for this difference. Overall, the responses indicate widespread support of increased technical skills over legal specialization but appear two-sided regarding societal matters, in which practical experience is deemed more desirable than theoretical study. Tables and the questionnaire are included.