Limited Jurisdiction Courts in the 21st Century
This 2013–2014 COSCA policy paper outlines four essential elements necessary to ensure fair, impartial, and independent justice in courts of limited jurisdiction: (1) qualified judges, (2) recorded and reviewable proceedings, (3) judicial independence through selection and funding practices, and (4) professional court governance. Drawing on legal history, national case studies, and evolving best practices, the paper provides a comprehensive roadmap for modernizing limited jurisdiction courts to better serve the public and uphold constitutional protections.