The administration of the Arkansas court system is accomplished by a combination of state, county and local officials, lay and professional committees, and judicial and court employee associations. A partial unification of the administration of the court system occurred in 1965 when the General Assembly adopted legislation providing that "The Arkansas Supreme Court shall have general superintending control over the administration of justice in all courts in the State of Arkansas. The Chief Justice shall be directly responsible for the efficient operation of the judicial branch and of its constituent courts and for the expeditious dispatch of litigation therein and the proper conduct of the business of the courts. In aid of this responsibility, the Chief Justice may appoint a Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, such appointment to be approved by the Arkansas Judicial Council and the remaining members of the Supreme Court"
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is the administrative office for the non-judicial business of the state courts. The office provides services to the court system, state and local government, and the public.
The AOC provides educational opportunities for trial and appellate court judges, municipal judges, court clerks, court reporters, case coordinators, and law clerks. Orientation programs for new judges is also a part of the ongoing education program and the division oversees the budget for all out-of-state educational programs. The division includes a public education component to help educate students and private citizens about the court system. The director of publications also works within the division. The office routinely publishes educational pamphlets, statistical reports, special research reports, and a bi-monthly newsletter. The division includes the state's court interpreter/translator who is responsible for foreign language interpretation and services to the hearing and sight impaired for all courts in the state.
Several attorneys provide ongoing assistance to all judges and local officials. Specific research requests are accepted as well as major policy proposals and research on behalf of the Judicial Council, the Supreme Court, the Governor's Office, and the General Assembly.
A staff of automation and records specialists is responsible for the collection and dissemination of court data from all courts in the state. Data auditors regularly travel to all courthouses in the state in order to collect and confirm the reliability of data. The division is also responsible for the implementation of all court automation projects within the state.
Pursuant to legislation adopted in 1995, the AOC will house and staff the Arkansas Alternate Dispute Resolution Commission which will be responsible for the implementation of ADR programs, education, and the certification of ADR professionals.
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