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November 5, 2007
Interesting data on modern state judicial systems
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has a new report available here that goes by the thrilling title "State Court Organization, 1987-2004." The full report has (too much?) state court operational data, much of which needs to be appreciated by anyone seriously interested in the practicalities of criminal justice reform. Here are some of the data highlights for criminal justice fans:
- State courts nationwide experienced increased caseloads over the 18-year period... [and] in general jurisdiction trial courts, the largest increase was in criminal case filings (67%).
- From 1987 to 2004 the number of states with active sentencing commissions fluctuated. At the lowest point, 15 states had active sentencing commissions in 1987. The number peaked in 1993 when 25 states had these commissions.
- Specialty jurisdiction or problem-solving courts, such as drug, family, mental health, and domestic violence courts, became more common over the 18-year period. States developed and expanded the use of these courts to address the large populations of specific types of offenders revolving through the courts and correctional institutions. These specialty courts were designed to couple case-specific treatment services with the administration of justice. The drug court movement in particular spread across the country. In 1989 Florida established the very first drug court in the country. By 2004 every state except South Dakota had created a specialized drug court treatment program.
November 5, 2007 at 11:36 AM | Permalink
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