NCJ Number
103408
Date Published
1986
Length
214 pages
Annotation
On the basis of the American Bar Association's Court Delay Reduction Standards, this text describes procedures for designing and implementing a delay reduction program.
Abstract
Factors to be considered in building a design team are discussed, with emphasis on the importance of sound leadership and the role of the bench and bar and of providing the impetus for reform. Causes of delay are discussed, and case flow management concepts important in program design are outlined. Specific techniques for reducing court delays are delineated, including assignment systems, continuance policies, arbitration and mediation, and pretrial conferences. Special techniques for complex and appellate litigation also are provided. Finally, administration and transition planning issues are addressed, and specific strategies for program implementation are presented, such as education, incremental implementation, and monitoring. Models of successful court reform programs are included. Appendixes provide imput forms for the Kansas, Minnesota, and the South Carolina monitoring systems, sample delay reduction plans, and the Court Delay Reduction Standards. Index, chapter footnotes, and 29-item annotated bibliography.