NCJ Number
229252
Date Published
December 2009
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet presents six key concepts critical to an effective court caseflow management system identified at the 2008 Effective Caseflow Management Summit sponsored by the National Judicial College (NJC).
Abstract
The National Judicial College (NJC) convened an Effective Caseflow Management Summit in January 2008, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The Summit participants included judges, court administrators, and national experts on caseflow management. This pamphlet represents the participants' conclusions and the Summit's work product. The purpose of the pamphlet is to introduce or reintroduce effective caseflow management to judges. Six key concepts were identified as integral to an effective caseflow management system and the court's ability to provide fair, timely, and economical justice. The key concepts include: 1) provide leadership, demonstrate judicial commitment, and use administrative skills to own and lead the process; 2) document the existing caseload and identify available resources to ensure the timely disposition of cases; 3) involve the court administrator and court staff in actively supporting, executing, and improving the caseflow management system; 4) consult and collaborate with the bar, citizens, and court users, to ensure case management is addressing their needs; 5) develop a caseflow management plan that balances access to justice and fair treatment of all parties; and 6) monitor the status of cases to institutionalize the caseflow management plan and promote ongoing analysis and improvement of the caseflow management system. As an expansion of this pamphlet the NJC will publish a resource guide to assist judges interested in creating a caseflow management system or evaluate an existing system.