Angela Harry

Date of Defense

5-4-1994

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Dr. Helenan Robin

Second Advisor

Dr. Ralph Chandler

Third Advisor

Dr. Peter Renstrom

Abstract

This study was done in fulfillment of an internship with Cheryl Stewart, Administrator for the Eighth District Court of Kalamazoo County, through the Political Science Internship program at Western Michigan University. The purpose of this study is to gauge court constituent concerns and to define areas in which the Court's service could be improved, as well as the Court's strong points. Due to budget constraints found in many local governments in recent years, the Eighth District Court was previously unable to conduct such a survey. As a result, this study was begun without any specific focal concentration, besides that of overall customer service.

Due to the differing concerns of different court users, the study actually involved five separate surveys, targeting the clerks' office, the probation department, witnesses, jurors, and other courtrooms users (i.e. defendants, plaintiffs, observers, and attorneys). Each questionnaire contained some similar information, and each addressed concerns specific to that group. By specifically addressing each of these constituents, it was hoped that the court would receive more comprehensive feedback about its service, as well as other concerns of court users.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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