NCJ Number
180430
Date Published
March 1999
Length
133 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the development, configuration, and components of Alaska's computerized appellate case management system that went on the Internet in May 1998 and that makes appellate case data, opinions, rules, forms, and oral argument schedules to attorneys and the public.
Abstract
The Alaska Judicial Council developed the appellate court case management system, which is fully integrated with word processing and document imaging. Uses can enter the appellate case number or use another method to find a case. Users have access to case data, summaries of case data, a feedback page, court forms, appellate opinions and rules, and e-mail. Future additions may include appellate court news and electronic filing of appellate documents. The system's development entailed the following eight steps: (1) deciding whether to develop a website and allow Internet access to case data, (2) deciding on a general configuration, (3) deciding on an Internet security configuration, (4) deciding on computer hardware and software, (5) setting up the system hardware and software, (6) creating the Internet database application, (7) publicizing the website, and (8) conducting a project evaluation and implementing improvements. The project has allowed the Alaska appellate courts to provide case information and other appellate materials to attorneys and the public more effectively. It has also given appellate staff access to the Internet and e-mail and has saved appellate clerks substantial time. Developing the project required an extension of the original timetable. However, the results justified the work; other courts would benefit from a similar system. Table; figure; footnotes; and appended screen shots, design specifications, and related information