Traditionally, state of the judiciary reports focus on the problems and needs of the courts and the actions being taken by the judicial branch in cooperation with the legislature and State bar association to meet those challenges. In their 1980-81 addresses, the chief justices expressed concerns that relate to the internal management of the courts and to the court's relationships with external groups such as the public and other branches of government. Problems of internal management include the need to increase the efficient disposition of cases and reduce delay and the need to improve the quality of court personnel, both judicial and nonjudical, as well as lawyers. Ensuring adequate funding for court services is another vital concern. Improving the court's external relationships requires enhancing the public's understanding of and involvement with the court system and making the criminal justice system more effective, as well as continuing to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judicial branch. A table and footnotes are included.