As evidenced by the theme of this Annual Report, issues relating to constitutional change and the implementation of Amendment 80 were the major focus of the Arkansas judiciary during 2001. Despite this focus, several other activities and issues of significance combined to make 2001 a pivotal year in the history of our state judiciary. Following are highlights of these activities.

2001 General Assembly
While most of the responsibility for the implementation of Amendment 80 was placed upon the Supreme Court, the General Assembly also received and approved several recommendations for statutory changes. These included a major revision of the election law to implement a process for non-partisan elections of judges, a change in the name of municipal courts to district courts, and the elimination of one of the stateÕs limited jurisdiction courts, the court of common pleas.

The legislature also approved several requests for increased funding for judicial branch programs and activities. Among them was a significant enhancement in the benefit provisions of the Arkansas Judicial Retirement System. Additional personnel in the Administrative Office of the Courts were also approved to assist with foreign language interpretation, the assignment of retired judges, judicial education, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission.

Judgeships and Districting
No changes were made by the 2001 General Assembly in the boundaries of trial court districts. The number of judgeships, however, was increased by four to a total of one hundred fifteen judges. New positions were created in the 2nd, 3rd, 14th and 16th judicial districts.

Work was also begun on the revision of electoral districts for the Arkansas Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals Apportionment Commission is charged with utilizing data from the 2000 census to make a recommendation to the 2003 General Assembly.

Arkansas Court Automation Project
After many years of failed attempts, work to develop and utilize a state-wide case management system for all courts was begun in 2001. With the support of special funding from the Arkansas General Assembly and the guidance and leadership of the Supreme Court Committee on Automation, the Arkansas Court Automation Project developed and issued a request for proposal for a fully integrated system. In addition, pilot courts were selected for the initial customization of the software in 2002 before the beginning of the rollout to all circuit and district courts in 2003 and 2004.

Judicial Workload Assessment
As a result of legislation passed in 1991 the Arkansas Judicial Council is charged with analyzing the judicial workload needs of the trial courts and making a recommendation to each session of the General Assembly on the number of new judgeships, if any, which are needed. For many years, the number of raw filings and dispositions were used to rank the various circuits on the basis of need. More recently, a system of weighted filings was developed to provide a more accurate assessment.

In 2001, the Judicial Council requested the Administrative Office of the Courts to undertake a more extensive in-court assessment and actual time study in order to develop an even more precise measure. With assistance from the National Center for State Courts, this assessment was begun in 2001 and will be completed for the purpose of the CouncilÕs recommendation to the 2003 General Assembly.

Library Anniversary
A special exhibit was developed by the Supreme Court Historical Society to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Arkansas Supreme Court Library. Early library materials and information on the persons who served as Supreme Court Librarians were a part of the exhibit. The library is the oldest still in existence west of the Mississippi River.

Supreme Court Librarians gathered at a reception in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the Supreme Court Library. Pictured are Interim Director Ava Hicks, Ms. Ruth Lindsey (S.C. Librarian, 1960-1979) Ms. Jacqueline Wright (S.C. Librarian, 1979-1998) Mr. Tim Holthoff (on leave of absence).

Supreme Court Librarians gathered at a reception in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the Supreme Court Library. Pictured are Interim Director Ava Hicks, Ms. Ruth Lindsey (S.C. Librarian, 1960-1979) Ms. Jacqueline Wright (S.C. Librarian, 1979-1998) Mr. Tim Holthoff (on leave of absence).

Justice Building Dedication
A new building housing the Supreme Court Justices, Supreme Court Clerk, Office of Professional Programs and Office of Professional Conduct was dedicated on April 27, 2001 after almost three years of design and construction. The structure is located on the grounds of the State Capitol and features a classical limestone facade. A second construction project was begun in the original Justice Building which required the temporary relocation of the Court of Appeals, Administrative Office of the Courts and Supreme Court Library.

Dignitaries and guests listen to remarks by Chief Justice W.H. "Dub" Arnold during the new Justice Building dedication ceremony.