NCJ Number
95300
Journal
Judges Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1984) Pages: 36-44
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The superior courts in two Vermont counties have achieved success in reducing delays and eliminating backlogs through the institution of backlog reduction and currency programs.
Abstract
In Washington County, the first step was to improve the judicial calendaring process to rid the court of backlog. The next step was to maintain currency by instituting a judicial caseflow management system. The three-judge superior court in Chittenden County started its backlog reduction and currency programs simultaneously and gave new filings priority over older pending cases. The goal was to maintain enthusiasm and support for the program by giving new litigants the benefit of a fast pace, while providing older litigants with their day in court as increases in judicial capacity permitted the handling of a part of the diminishing backlog. Both courts adopted caseflow management programs premised on the reasonable accommodation of the schedules of attorneys and scheduling with the clear expectation that the event would happen on time. Other Vermont counties are now implementing delay reduction programs. Other States can apply the lessons learned in Vermont. The Chittenden County approach will probably permit a court with a backlog to achieve full currency more quickly. Data tables and 18 reference notes are supplied.