Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-04
Modernizing Court Procedure

It is a pleasure to note the results of
the determined effort by bench and bar
to apply in Washington some Of the
methods in court procedure found salts
factory in other cities in simplifying and
expediting the disposal of civil cases.
The Courts Commission, whose accept
ed recommendations are reported fully
elsewhere in today's Star, deserves the
congratulations and the thanks of the
community.
Aside from the nature of the recon-
mendations, which is more important
to the justices and to the lawyers than
to the lay public, the spirit in which
they have been made and approved is
significant and praiseworthy. Court
machinery in Washington. handicapped
for years by an extraordinary amount
of litigation and an inadequate per-
sonnet, has been functioning in a man
ner that proved a source of grave con-
Germ to the bench, invited the criticism
of the lawyers and provided some of
them with ways and means to hinder
justice, and left the public generally
in the lurch. The dockets were con-
gested and there was no indication
that the congestion would be or could
be reieyed. The first remedy was the
increase in the number Of justices au-
thorized for the District Supreme Court
and the subsequent appointment Of
new judges. The second step has been
to take stock of conditions la other
cities, to study successful methods found
workable elsewhere, to sift the wheat
from the chaff and to adopt parts Of
other systems that can be used in
Washington.
The preparatory work Of investiga-
tons and visits to other cities has been
done quietly and thoroughly. There
has been no fanfare of trumpets or
beating of drums to send crusading re-
formers on their way. The court has
been kept fully advised throughout Of
the progress of an investigation and
study that is primarily its own. While
the recommendation represent the sug-
gestions of the bar, or, specifically. q
committee of lawyers, they have been
made at the request Of the bench
Their purpose is to introduce more
efficient and time-saving methods; to
clear away some Of the log jams that
cause congested dockets; to hasten the
time when the courts win be waiting
for the litigants instead Of the ntigants
waiting for the courts.
The recommendations can be adopted
and made rules Of the court without
legislation, which is one Of their graft
flying points. They are designed to
place upon all lawyers q responsibility
that every good lawyer takes pride in
voluntarily accepting, and that is to
be ready for trial with prepared case
when the case is called. They dimin-
ish the time required and cut to mini
mum the grounds submitted for delays
and continuances. They release all but
one Of the justices from the time con-
suming routine Of consideration Of mo-
tons, signing formal orders, assign
ment work, ETC., in order that they may
devote an additional day to trial Of
cases as well as begin the days trials
Immediately with the opening Of court.
Such work Is to be placed under one
justice, who VIII sit In Motions and
Assignment Court. The justices will
take this assignment In rotation.
OF most interest 10 the lay pub
lie, perhaps, Is the expected elm
ination Of the hardship placed on Wit
nesses, as well as on jurymen and even
litigants, who have heretofore been
forced to spend an endless amount of
wasted time waiting for the cases in
which they are to appear TO be called
for trial When the new system Is per-
fected it is expected that when wit
nesses reach court they viii be able to
appear almost Immediately, and jury
men viii know in the morning whether
or not their services during the day win
be required.
It Is understood that other recon-
mendations regarding Jury service and
the selection Of jurors may follow those
just approved. If they promise as much
success this community will indeed have
cause for qualification.
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