NCJ Number
81477
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1981) Pages: 305-324
Date Published
1981
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings from a recently completed comparative study of the problems of volume and delay in ten state appellate courts.
Abstract
It defines and documents the considerable variation in case processing time among the ten courts and explores the sources of some of that variation. The sources explored include differences in case volume, case types, rules regarding time standards, brief and opinion lengths, and time extension policies, as well as other aspects of court structure and organization. From the analysis presented, the article concludes that court organization and process are more important factors than is case volume in creating case processing delay. It suggests that time standards should be uniformly applied court policies for regulating the performance of all participants in the appellate process. It stresses the general need for strict rule enforcement and affirmative case management, and outlines the components of a court improvement strategy designed to meet those needs. (Author abstract)