U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Changing Role of Native Courtworkers (From Self- Sufficiency in Northern Justice Issues, P 195-202, 1992, Curt Taylor Griffiths, ed. -- See NCJ-141302)

NCJ Number
141310
Author(s)
D Avison; A Mackenzie; H N Tolonganak
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the various roles of courtworkers in remote northern communities.
Abstract
Courtworkers generally provide support to Native defendants by interpreting court proceedings in the Native defendant's language and answering any questions the defendant might have about how the court operates and what is expected of the defendant. In the Northwest Territories, under the guidelines for legal aid coverage, courtworkers also provide legal aid assistance on summary matters for eligible persons. Courtworkers who perform such functions are paralegals. They are under the direction of the lawyer for the services they provide. Efforts are underway to not only allow courtworkers to do trials in justice of the peace courts, but also to provide a variety of civil services. A primary need of courtworkers who work in remote regions is to have a support network. There is often no one in their immediate communities with whom they can discuss job-related problems, stress, and frustrations.

Downloads

No download available

Availability