FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE SYSTEM'S OBJECTIVES, STRUCTURE, ADMINISTRATION, AND FINANCING, A PROGRESS REPORT IS GIVEN ON COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS AND GOALS FOR THE TIMELY DISPOSITION OF CASES ADOPTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION BOARD IN 1975. SUBSEQUENT SECTIONS PRESENT STATISTICS ON COURT OPERATIONS AND REVIEW THE MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICE, THE CENTRAL INDEX FOR POST-CONVICTION APPLICATIONS, RETAINER AND CLOSING STATEMENTS, COMPULSORY ARBITRATION PILOT PROGRAMS, AND APPOINTMENTS AND FEES OR COMMISSIONS UNDER SECTION 35-A OF THE JUDICIARY LAW. REPORTS ARE ALSO PRESENTED ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS CONDUCTED, COORDINATED, OR ASSISTED BY THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATIONS. A SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION SPONSORED BY THE JUDICIAL CONFERENCE AND THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION DURING THE 1977 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS ALSO PROVIDED, ALONG WITH REPORTS ON CIVIL PRACTICE AND FAMILY COURT LAW. FINALLY, A SPECIAL STUDY IS PRESENTED ON ENDING THE RIGHT OF TRIAL BY JURY FOR ISSUES PRELIMINARY TO ARBITRATION. AN APPENDED EVALUATION OF COMPULSORY ARBITRATION IN ROCHESTER, BINGHAMTON, SCHENECTADY, AND THE BRONX CONCLUDES THAT THE PROGRAM IS OPERATING SUCCESSFULLY IN ALL FOUR AREAS. IT HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY INTERESTED PARTIES AND REDUCED COURT BACKLOGS. TABULAR DATA AND A MAP OF NEW YORK JUDICIAL DEPARTMENTS AND DISTRICTS ARE ALSO INCLUDED. (KCP).