THE POLITICS OF COURT STRUCTURE: The Addition of New Federal Judges, 1949–1978

This article analyzes the effects of party control of the Presidency and Congress, and timing during the President's term on the success of proposals to add new federal judges. Proposals for new judges are more likely to pass if the same party controls the Presidency and Congress than if different parties are in power, and proposals are more likely to pass during the first two years of the President's term than during the second two years. Party control exerts a stronger influence than timing. We also find that the variables interact to produce their influence—the only real chance of adding new judges occurs if the same party controls the Presidency and Congress, and the proposal comes early in the President's term. Under all other conditions, the probability of success is small.     

Three Generations of Computerized Systems for Public Administration and Some Implications for Legal Decision-Making

Abstract. The paper is concerned with the introduction of computerized systems into public administration. As a basis for the assessment of current systems, a brief history of such systems is offered. Not only are "legal information systems" discussed, but the access to factual information is also dealt with. Three generations of systems in public administration are indicated: The first generation emphasized use of data bases and computers for calculation, as well as "computer-oriented legislation." The second generation lifted the forms, which structure the case work, onto the computer screens. And the third generation is being born from the current efforts to design integrated work stations, using knowledge based methods. On this background, a discussion of impact on legal decision-making is offered, emphasizing the replacement of vague by strict criteria, and the re-use of pre-collected factual information. A final note addresses the problem of reviewing or supervising such systems.     

EXIT AND VOICE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECONSIDERED: A ‘CHOICE REVOLUTION’?

Market‐based public management reform has introduced customer choice among competing providers of public services. Choice entails exit, an option which Albert Hirschman famously reserved for the market, while voice is the key mode of communication in political life. Based on elite and mass surveys, the article studies how exit is perceived by citizens and local political and administrative leaders in Norway and Sweden, and how the two strategic options relate to each other. Citizens are more positive towards customer choice and exit than are leaders, albeit with some variation across different public service sectors. Political and administrative leaders are positive towards customer choice models as a strategy to empower clients but more critical in terms of the potential loss of accountability and control that contracting out services may entail.     

Indefinable Wang Jianwei

正"People are aware that artistically between the 1950s and the early 1980s China was closed to the outside world,but realistically,we were also closed internally."STANDING in the middle of Wang Jianwei’s main studio,an expansive 6,000-square-foot room with an arched ceiling that brings the structure to well over two stories in height,I feel as if I’m on the set of a science fiction movie.I’m surrounded by several molded white plastic