Court Reform and Judicial Leadership - by Paul B Wice (Hardcover)

About the Book

This study examines judicial leadership in court reform, tying biography, political science, social psychology, law, and history into court reform at the local level through the case of a nationally known jurist and reformer--Judge George Nicola of New Jersey. The work provides an important examination, in depth and over time, of true leadership in the courts and of the exceptionally innovative programs developed by Judge Nicola. The author also addresses two fundamental issues which lie at the heart of court reform and judicial leadership: the perplexing question of whether a judicial system so bound by tradition as that of the United States can be changed from within; and whether judicial leadership provides the best and most fruitful opportunity for changing this institution. This volume will be of interest to scholars of political science, American government, the judiciary, and the practice of law.

Book Synopsis

This study examines judicial leadership in court reform, tying biography, political science, social psychology, law, and history into court reform at the local level through the case of a nationally known jurist and reformer--Judge George Nicola of New Jersey. The work provides an important examination, in depth and over time, of true leadership in the courts and of the exceptionally innovative programs developed by Judge Nicola. The author also addresses two fundamental issues which lie at the heart of court reform and judicial leadership: the perplexing question of whether a judicial system so bound by tradition as that of the United States can be changed from within; and whether judicial leadership provides the best and most fruitful opportunity for changing this institution. This volume will be of interest to scholars of political science, American government, the judiciary, and the practice of law.

Review Quotes

.,."a most interesting and informative book on judicial reform in New Jersey. The author makes a convincing argument that if the American legal system is to improve it must either find or develop judges like Nicola. Highly recommended. All levels."-Choice

.,."earnest and expansive...Wice is on to something important...wealth of material..."-Criminal Justice Review

?...a most interesting and informative book on judicial reform in New Jersey. The author makes a convincing argument that if the American legal system is to improve it must either find or develop judges like Nicola. Highly recommended. All levels.?-Choice

?...earnest and expansive...Wice is on to something important...wealth of material...?-Criminal Justice Review

?A major addition to what one hopes will become an expanding chronicle of judicial success stories....The exploits of Judge Nicola are truly inspirational, and thus provide valuable lessons that others would do well to emulate.?-Judicature

..."earnest and expansive...Wice is on to something important...wealth of material..."-Criminal Justice Review

"A major addition to what one hopes will become an expanding chronicle of judicial success stories....The exploits of Judge Nicola are truly inspirational, and thus provide valuable lessons that others would do well to emulate."-Judicature

..."a most interesting and informative book on judicial reform in New Jersey. The author makes a convincing argument that if the American legal system is to improve it must either find or develop judges like Nicola. Highly recommended. All levels."-Choice

About the Author

PAUL B. WICE is Professor of Political Science at Drew University in New Jersey. He is the author of seven books including Judges and Lawyers: The Human Side of Justice (1991), Chaos in the Courthouse (1985), and Participants in American Criminal Justice (1982) with C. Bartollas and S. Miller.