NCJ Number
98250
Date Published
1985
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This program brief discusses methods of reducing criminal and civil case backlogs and processing times in court.
Abstract
Some of the advantages of controlling caseloads are improved judicial efficiency, press and public relations, and standards of fairness and due process. Components of some of the most promising strategies include forming and using a Justice System Advisory Committee, analyzing the court's case processing system, and developing case processing goals. Serious planning for a Court Delay Reduction Program began in 1976 under the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Further study and experimentation resulted in recommendations for establishing a criminal case management program. Additionally, the National Center for State Courts advocated total case management as the best way of reducing overall case processing time. Standards for reasonable case processing time were also issued, and methods of delay reduction were presented to both metropolitan courts and State courts in 1980. Implementation of delay reduction strategies reveals that delay is not inevitable and that court case processing should be viewed as a 'system.' Beginning in 1985, the Office of Justice Programs will provide financial and technical assistance to improve case processing; statewide programs will be emphasized. National technical assistance teams will be available; regional workshops should also be conducted to teach case management skills. A number of States, including Alabama, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Kansas, and Ohio have reduced court delays through exercising rule making powers and through statewide case reporting systems. Eleven references are provided along with State, local, and Federal contacts.