NCJ Number
234938
Date Published
2010
Length
146 pages
Annotation
This on-line reference volume presents high-quality, baseline information on State court structure, jurisdiction, reporting practices, and caseload volume and trends for 2008.
Abstract
Five types of information are required for appropriate caseload statistics: counts of pending, incoming and outgoing cases; the method by which the count is taken (i.e., the unit of count that constitutes a case and the point at which the count is taken); the composition of the counting categories (the specific case types that are included); court structure and jurisdiction to decide cases; and statistical adjustments that enhance the comparability and usefulness of case contents. Composition refers to the construction of caseload reporting categories that contain similar case types for which counts are taken of pending, incoming, or outgoing cases. Once a standard is defined for the types of cases that belong in a category, it is possible to compare court caseloads. Court structure and jurisdiction to decide cases indicate whether a count includes all of the relevant cases for a given locality or States. Adjustments help make counts of cases more interpretable. Incoming cases per 100,000 population provide a standard measure of caseload levels that adjusts for differences in population among the States. The data are presented in figures and tables that pertain to the jurisdiction and State court reporting practices. Data for State court caseloads encompass trial courts and appellate courts. Appended methodology, sources of 2008 State court caseload statistics, and State populations