Ongoing Business

Funding of Public Defenders

After many years of debate the state, in 1995, developed the structure for the phase-in of state funding of the court system. During the first year, funding was provided for case coordinators for all trial judges. The second phase of the program was approved in 1997 with the plan to provide centralization and state funding for the trial court public defender system. This program is operated through the Arkansas Public Defender Commission.

Court of Appeals and Districting

While the initial approval of the expansion of the size of the Court of Appeals took place in 1993, the Court reached its full contingent of twelve judges with the appointment of the final three judges in 1997. Originally, each of the additional six appointed judges was to serve until December 31, 1998 at which time new elected judges would take office. The 1997 General Assembly, however, like its counterpart in 1995, was unable to agree on an electorial districting plan for the positions. The appointed judges will, therefore, hold over in office until such time as new districts are created and new elections held.

Court Improvement Program

The Supreme Court Committee on Foster Care and Adoption Assessment continued its work under the federally funded Court Improvement Program to study and improve the state's foster care system. Major substantive legislation was approved by the 1997 General Assembly to change the court process for the hearing and review of foster care cases. While requested funding for ad litem attorneys was not approved, the Committee designed pilot demonstration projects to study the effects of the addition of attorneys for children. Requested funding was approved for the employment of a state Court Appointed Special Advocate Director (CASA) through the Administrative Office of the Courts.

AR8.97