NCJ Number
148887
Journal
State Court Journal Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer/Fall 1993) Pages: 12-16
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Given the problems associated with weighted caseload methodologies, alternative models are presented for accurate resource determination by courts.
Abstract
One model, commonly used by law enforcement agencies and fire stations, is described generally as a response time model. It incorporates response time and workload measures as model inputs and addresses the number of officers needed to provide acceptable response time to service calls. The key to using efficiency criteria for case processing time standards in the court setting lies in forecasting the number of jury trials. Time standards and jury trial rates can be applied to project court caseloads and dispositions. Once the appropriate number of jury trials is calculated and information on the average jury trial length and available judge time for juries per year is obtained, the number of needed judges may be calculated. The model's main advantage relates to the implicit incorporation of efficiency criteria. Disadvantages concern the use of averages and data collection difficulties. Innovative models for court resource determination include two simulation types: (1) steady-state, deterministic, aggregate models; and (2) dynamic, case-by-case, queuing models. Both types are being used or developed by major State court systems. The application of queuing models in Washington and California is examined, and high costs associated with simulation models are noted. 6 notes and 3 figures