NCJ Number
178295
Date Published
1998
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The 1998 annual report of the Oklahoma State Supreme Court addresses the Judicial Department, the elimination of court backlogs, and significant activities and accomplishments during the year.
Abstract
The Judicial Department is a distinct branch of government in which all judicial powers are vested, but Oklahoma courts receive only 1 percent of all statewide appropriations. Unlike most States, Oklahoma has two courts of last resort. The Supreme Court determines issues of a civil nature, while the Court of Criminal Appeals decides all criminal matters. Over the years, the Supreme Court has continued to take on more responsibility in paying its own costs because it has to absorb such costs as juror and witness expenses, trial and appellate representation, transcripts for indigent defendants, public defenders, attorney fees for mentally challenged parties, and guardians ad litem. Over the last 10 years, the Supreme Court reduced its backlog of cases from 3,115 in 1989 to 1,277 in January 1999. In 1998, the Supreme Court disposed of 2,001 cases, 199 more than were filed. The Court of Criminal Appeals received 1,581 cases during 1998 and disposed of 1,674 cases because the year started with 810 cases pending. Significant activities and accomplishments of the Supreme Court in 1998 focused on computerization of the Judicial Branch, the development of time standards for trial and appellate courts, the work Judicial Evaluation Commission, campaign conduct in judicial elections, the establishment of a Judicial Ethics Advisory Panel, mandatory continuing legal education for judges, alternative dispute resolution, and the initiation of an Appellate Settlement Conference Program. Data on Supreme Court caseloads and judicial salaries are tabulated, and projected future needs of the Supreme Court are identified. 5 tables and 4 figures