Performance Evaluation for Systems of Assigned Service Providers

Abstract

We present a design for evaluating tiered systems of service providers in which assigned service providers are compared with each other through comparison against a benchmark of privately purchased providers. It tests the utility of this approach to data collec tion and analysis by evaluating the quality of two systems for providing representation to indigent defendants: a part-time public defender versus ad hoc appointment of the private bar. In addition, this article recognizes the need to consider the costs associated with provisions of services. It is unique in estimating costs for specific types of cases (felonies and misdemeanors) rather than aggregating across case types. Finally, the arti cle is the first to present a method for estimating cost per case among case types for a system where only a lump sum payment is made.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Campbell, D.T. and J.C. Stanley (1972) Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Research. Chicago: Rand-McNally .

Cohen, L. , P.P. Semple , and R.E. Crew (1983) "Assigned counsel vs. public defender systems in Virginia: a comparison of relative benefits," pp. 127-150 in W. F. McDonald (ed.) The Defense Counsel. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

Feeley, M.M. (1983) Court Reform on Trial: Why Simple Solutions Fail . New York: Basic Books.

Grizzle, G. (1984) "Developing standards for interpreting agency performance: an exploration of three models." Public Admin. Rev. pp. 128-133.

Houlden, P. and S. Balkin (forthcoming) "Quality and cost comparisons of private bar indigent defense systems: contract vs. ordered assigned counsel." J. of Criminal Law and Criminology.

Nagel, S.S. (1973) "Effects of alternative types of counsel on criminal procedure treatment." Indiana Law J. 48: 404-426.

National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals (1973) Courts. Washington, DC: Author.

National Study Commission on Defense Services ( 1976) Guidelines for Legal Defense Systems in the U.S.: Report of the National Study Commission on Defense Services. Chicago: National Legal Aid and Defender Association .

Pindyck, R.S. and D.L. Rubinfeld (1976) Econometric Models and Economic Forecasts. New York: McGraw-Hill.

10.

Sterling, J. (1983) "Retained counsel vs. the public defender: the impact of type of counsel on charge bargaining," pp. 151-170 in W.F. McDonald (ed.) The Defense Counsel, Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

11.

Wheeler, G.R. and C.L. Wheeler (1980) "Reflections on legal representation of the economically disadvantaged: beyond assembly line justice." Crime and Delinquency 26: 319-332.