NCJ Number
117505
Date Published
1989
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This booklet proposes 22 performance standards for general jurisdiction trial courts, grouped in five performance areas: access to justice; expedition and timeliness; equality, fairness, and integrity; independence and accountability; and public trust and confidence.
Abstract
These tentative standards are the culmination of the first phase of the project and are subject to further review and revision before the issuance of the final standards in July 1990. Standards pertaining to access to justice require that the structure and machinery of the courts be accessible. Standards grouped under the heading of "expedition and timeliness" relate not only to the prompt and efficient resolution of disputes but to all court activities. Standards in the performance area of "equality, fairness, and integrity" require that trial courts provide due process and individual justice in each case, treat similarly situated litigants equally, and ensure that their actions are consistent with established laws and regulations. Standards pertaining to "independence and accountability" require that trial courts be independent of and have parity with the legislative and executive branches of government. Standards related to "public trust and confidence" acknowledge that a primary objective of the administration of justice is to instill public trust and confidence that the courts are being fairly, efficiently, and effectively operated. Another section of the report describes the goals, objectives, and activities of the Trial Court Performance Standards Project; and the final section outlines a measurement system for trial courts that is currently under development as part of the Standards Project.