NCJ Number
97851
Date Published
1985
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This report describes the joint trial calendar system developed by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri whereby all judges share one trial calendar for those cases that have developed to the point of trial and are not particularly complex or likely to be protracted.
Abstract
A case is placed on the joint calendar only after the judge has decided that it is ready for trial. The criminal joint calendar is used for all but the most complicated cases and the civil calendar is used for jury cases that can be tried in 4 days or less. The process begins when the judges list their trial ready cases. During a designated 2- to 3-week period, they suspend all other activities and try all the cases on the calendar, starting with ones assigned to them and then moving through whatever comes up next. This guarantees a trial and creates some uncertainty about the identity of the trial judge which is thought to encourage settlement since some attorneys prefer not to go before an unknown judge. The report traces the 15-year history of the joint calendar and then gives step-by-step descriptions of the civil and criminal calendar procedures. This discussion notes types of cases for which the calendars are used, offices involved in the procedures, and the effect of the calendars on court operations. Critical elements of a joint trial calendar are listed, as are questions that courts should answer before considering adopting the system. The report was based on personal interviews with judges and other court staff conducted in December 1983 and August 1984 and telephone interviews with attorneys who practice regularly in the Western District. Orders and forms used by the court are included. There are 11 footnotes.