Opinion
Delivered June 19, 1989
The Arkansas Commission on Juvenile Justice has filed a petition asking us to appoint a committee to develop rules of juvenile court procedure and thereafter to adopt such rules to govern "cases in the juvenile division of the chancery courts of this State."
It was our intention with the adoption of the Rules of Civil Procedure to provide, in one set of rules, procedures in all civil matters in circuit, chancery and probate courts. There are, of course, some procedures unique to circuit, chancery or probate courts. We have abolished local court rules to insure uniformity of procedure throughout our court system. Procedures in juvenile matters should be integrated as near as possible within our existing system.
We have a standing committee on civil procedure that studies changes and makes recommendations on a regular basis. This petition is referred to that committee for consideration. The petitioners are invited to meet with that committee and work together to report to this court as soon as practical what rules and procedures would be advisable.