Editor’s Note: The following editorial was published by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and reprinted here with permission from the NCSC, the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA). Williamsburg, VA (May 22, 2014) — National Public Radio’s series “Guilty and Charged,” on the harmful impact that court fees and fines can have on the poor, shines considera … [Read more...] about EDITORIAL: Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators respond to “Guilty and Charged”
Budget
Lawmakers Boost Public Defense Funding
The Constitution of the United States and the Indiana Constitution require that indigent criminal and other defendants be provided adequate legal representation. In Indiana, the fiscal responsibility for this service falls primarily on county governments. In 2012, the total public defense costs in Indiana were in excess of $71 million. Through the state Indiana Public Defense Fund, counties receive partial … [Read more...] about Lawmakers Boost Public Defense Funding
Court Strategic Planning: Where do we go from here?
“Where do we go from here?” This is often a question every organization faces at one time or another, and the judiciary is no exception. The Indiana Judicial Conference Board of Directors met in June 2008 to discuss and identify several strategic planning goals. As a result of that meeting, a Strategic Planning Committee was formed. In order to know where to go tomorrow, you must start with where you are today. Part o … [Read more...] about Court Strategic Planning: Where do we go from here?