NCJ Number
154822
Date Published
1995
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Court case management system technology is described that includes videoconferencing, imaging, personal computers, voice technologies, and kiosks.
Abstract
Court case management systems involve computer software that is used to collect, organize, process, store, and distribute essential case information. These systems eliminate many of the repetitive tasks inherent in case processing and allow information to be retrieved in different ways. Computer technology, however, poses obvious problems. System failures can paralyze court operations, computers have the capacity to make significant errors, and technical expertise is difficult to find and retain. In addition, automation costs can be substantial, depending on the court or court system involved; a court typically allocates 5 to 8 percent of its budget to automation support. Videoconferencing can improve court case management by reducing travel and waiting time. However, the technology has certain disadvantages, one being that defendants may question the adequacy of legal representation when defendant and counsel are at separate locations. Imaging is a court case management technology that stores court documents as electronic photographs in a computer system. These documents can then be displayed on work station screens, thus eliminating the need to retrieve paper files. Court imaging systems typically consist of a computer, scanners, document and case management software, storage devices, work stations, printers, facsimile machines, and communication networks. Although imaging offers many advantages, the technology is very complex and expensive, particularly when integrated with court case management systems. Advantages and disadvantages of personal computer, voice, and kiosk technology are examined in terms of court case management. Photographs