|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The
Honorable Mike Huckabee, Governor, Members of the General Assembly, Fellow Judges and
Justices, and Fellow Arkansans: It is my pleasure to have the opportunity of
presenting this report of the state of the Arkansas judicial system and its work during
the 1997-98 fiscal year.
Our citizens continue to bring their disputes to our state courts for resolution in
record numbers. During the year, more than 1.2 million cases were filed in our local,
trial and appellate courts. In response to growing caseloads, we have enacted changes in
court procedures, revised our |
|
|
administrative
structures, and worked to integrate new technologies into our system. Our work with and
support of alternative dispute resolution techniques has led us to study ways, both within
and without the formal judicial structure, which will aid our citizens in resolving their
disputes in a fair and expeditious manner. Our additional support of CASA programs allows
us to enhance the work of dedicated volunteers who provide additional support for our
system. The theme for this annual report is "View from the Bench." It makes
note of the fascinating perspective which is given to judges as they go about their work
of deciding our citizen’s disputes, both large and small. Their comments recorded in
this report indicate that, while their work can be rewarding, it can also involve
agonizing decisions which affect the most intimate details of a person, family, or
community. I am proud to be a part of our state’s judiciary and salute the
outstanding contributions which are made by judges at all levels of our court system.
Their efforts provide the leadership necessary to insure that we provide our state
citizens with the finest judicial system possible.
W.H. "Dub" Arnold
Chief Justice |
|
|
|
|
