NCJ Number
72529
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Ways in which computer technology can be used in court administration are described. Focusing on court management prosecutor's office, the clerk of the court, and various courts.
Abstract
In terms of court operations, the areas where automation can be most effective are indexing, docketing, calendars, notices, attorney reports, scheduling, and statistical reporting. In the area of jury management automation can aid jury selection and the handling of questionnaires and notices. Automation may also be used in traffic violation systems to create a record of all traffic cases and bail deposit. The recording of all payments, adjudications, and bail forfeitures must subsequently be posted to the file and, upon failure to close the case prior to trial or failure to appear at trial, various notices and postings must be recorded. Indexes, available either through inquiry terminals or by printed listings, also appear to be of critical value. One administrative application of automation that shows great promise is the combined payroll-personnel system. Computers can also be profitably used in the management and operation of prosecutor's offices. The automated control of file location is particularly important for the clerk of court. Typical projects that have been successfully implemented have been those relating to fee and fine accounting and the control of escrow deposits. Other general areas where automation has proven helpful are juvenile courts, corrections, domestic relations courts, and transcription and other court reporting. Nine footnotes are provided.