The Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) formed the National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices early this year to address the ongoing impact of court fines, fees and bail pretrial practices on communities across the United States. The Task Force will address the impact of these practices on communities, especially the economically disadvantaged, across … [Read more...] about CCJ and COSCA form National Task Force on fines, fees and bail practices
Court Reform
A Judges Perspective: Veterans Courts
Throughout Indiana, we are expanding access and refining our approach to veterans’ justice statewide. Our goal is to have at least 1 Veterans Court in each of the 26 judicial districts – eliminating all boundaries. To accomplish this locally, we have broadened our county Veterans Court program to a district-wide program. Finding an effective approach to mental health in the courts is a big job. And, for civilian jud … [Read more...] about A Judges Perspective: Veterans Courts
2015 Court Reform Grant Applications
The Indiana Supreme Court announced the posting of the 2015 Court Reform Grant applications, now available at: courts.in.gov/admin/2420.htm. During the 2015 Judicial District Meetings, it was apparent trial judges needed help with two issues: language access to the courts managing an ever-increasing caseload of unrepresented litigants In response, the Court will focus the 2015 Court Reform Grant cycle on projects … [Read more...] about 2015 Court Reform Grant Applications
2014 Reform Grants
With nearly 1.6 million new cases filed in 2013, Indiana’s trial courts must continually look for new ways to increase efficiency while still providing a high quality of service to litigants and other court participants. One of these ways is through Indiana’s Court Reform Grant program, funded through federal reimbursements for previously uncollected expenses associated with Title IV-D enforcement actions. Since 200 … [Read more...] about 2014 Reform Grants
Court Reform Grant Recipients
Over the last several years, state trial courts throughout the country have faced the dual problems of fluctuating caseloads and declining court funding. Indiana’s trial courts have risen to this challenge to do more with less, and have frequently looked for innovative ways by which to fill their budget gaps. One of these ways is through Indiana’s Court Reform Grant program, funded through federal reimbursements for … [Read more...] about Court Reform Grant Recipients