| Foreword | |
| The Commission Overtime, dispite the diversity of its membership, the Commission came to fundamental agreement on its vision for the future of the judicial system. |
1) A First Step There are limits to change, but there are changes in the judicial system that need to be made, and the changes need to begin now. |
| 2) Tomorrow's vision The commission's view of the future is framed in ideals, but those ideals inform and drive more specific proposals. |
3) Today's reality The judicial system often falls short of its own standards for fairness, independence, access, understanding and efficiency. |
| 4) Flexible structure Organization is splintered and personnel are often unaccountable; the system requires better design and stronger management. |
5) Modern support Structural deficiencies are reflected in weak administration; the system needs better technology and enhanced assistance. |
| 6) Lower barriers Too often the system serves its own components first; it should operate with the public as its primary client. |
7) Civil conflict Many of the worst faults occur because cases drift on their own; stronger case management should control the flow. |
| 8) Alternate means Much of the present courts' business should be moved out of the traditional courtroom and into alternative dispute resolution. |
9) New forums For the sake of solving problems, some cases should move out of the judicial system and into a network of services and support designed for them. |
| 10) Crime time Sentencing should honestly estimate time to be served, but the system also requires creative alternatives to incarceration. |
11) New directions The judicial system must serve the public and aim to solve problems, rather than merely processing the cases that come before it. |
| 12) In context Judicial change should emphasize technology, flexibility, prevention, accountability, management and results. |
Appendix A Report of the working group on the education of lawyers and admission to the bar in Tennessee. |
| Appendix B Biographies of members of the Commission. |
Appendix C Personal appearances before the Commission. |
| Appendix D Written statements to the Commission. |
Appendix E Institutions and individuals honored by the Commission. |
| Down Load TEXT of Entire Report (250K) | |
