The Citizens Commission on the State Courts has divided itself into eight sub-groups to examine more closely the following issues and questions:

Communication/Customer service. How can the state courts more effectively meet the information needs and service expectations of NH citizens using the courts?

Public Access to NH Courts. What barriers exist to public access to the state courts and how can they be overcome? (Access for those with disabilities; legal costs as a barrier to access; legal procedures as a barrier; use of technology.)

The Courts as a Business. What changes can or should be made to ensure that the state gets the best “bang” for the $60 million in state funds spent annually on the courts?

Family Courts. Given the recent structural and statutory changes (Family Division expansion, the new Parental Rights and Responsibilities statute) – Are we on the right track?

Alternative Dispute Resolution. What ADR options are available; how are they made available; are they effective?

Sentencing. Is sentencing in NH courts fair, are the right people in jail, and is the public being well served by current sentencing practices?

The Third Branch. How can the NH judiciary work more effectively with the legislative and executive branches to better fulfill its constitutional obligations as the third branch of government?

Therapeutic Justice. Are there programs and services the state courts could offer that would reduce demand for litigation—other state court processes?

The commission, said co-chair Katherine Eneguess, will also work on a “big picture” approach to issues in the state courts. The “big picture” inquiry, according to a Commission memo: “Are there new paradigms that could positively change the delivery of services by NH courts, the level of public trust and confidence in the court system and/or the success with  which disputes are resolved in NH courts?”

The commission hopes to produce its final report by the end of May. 

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