NCJ Number
92099
Journal
Judicature Volume: 67 Issue: 5 Dated: (November 1983) Pages: 213-223
Date Published
1983
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Automation in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has provided useful research tools, made available channels of communication that integrate the circuit and ensure greater consistency of law, and enhanced court management capabilities.
Abstract
The computer makes available excellent legal data bases, notably LEXIS, WESTLAW, and JURIS. These systems allow the researcher to use the computer's massive memory to search all cases decided within a given time period to determine relevant law. Also, the Ninth Circuit has followed the example of the Third Circuit in adopting word processing and electronic mail systems to improve communication functions. This has provided for a more rapid completion of court opinions, a dramatic increase in secretarial productivity, and a reduction in the delivery time of court documents. The Ninth Circuit has been selected by the Federal Judicial Center for the first implementation of a fully automated electronic docketing system. Over the last few years, the Ninth Circuit has developed extensive computer programs for automated docket control and calendaring. The clerk's office has oversight responsibilities for the Automated Records Management System, which tracks information on all cases pending in the court at any stage from docketing the notice of appeal through issuance of the mandate. The other major automated case management system, supervised by the staff attorneys office, addresses calendaring and is designed to make optimal use of judicial time at argument. Since these systems have been instituted, the number of conflicts within the Ninth Circuit has been greatly reduced. By routinizing administrative functions, the computer furthers impartiality and efficiency. Twenty-three footnotes are listed.