NCJ Number
162736
Journal
Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate Research Bulletin Issue: 38 Dated: (1996) Pages: 57-63
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Surveys of user satisfaction and waiting times in England's magistrate courts showed that waiting times were reduced when courts used single appointment systems.
Abstract
One survey recorded the time court users waited on the days of their hearings, while another survey asked nonprofessional court users about their views on facilities available for those waiting. Between 1991 and 1994, there was a shift toward shorter waiting times, with the average waiting time reduced by about 20 minutes. The average waiting time was 70 minutes in courts that made little use of block listings, while the average waiting time in courts using block listings was 46 minutes. The longest waiting times arose from cases listed in the early morning, and the most noticeable improvements in waiting time were achieved by staggering court starting times. The survey of user satisfaction showed that the most criticized aspect of waiting facilities involved privacy. The authors conclude that shorter waiting times should lead to more user satisfaction with waiting area facilities. 8 references and 3 tables