NCJ Number
98872
Journal
Court Management Journal Dated: (1985) Pages: 8-13
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article identifies key items of information needed to identify court delay problems, develop core strategies for reducing delays, and manage caseflow on an ongoing basis.
Abstract
Before a delay reduction program is undertaken baseline data must be collected on the existing pace of litigation in the court, the size and status of the pending caseload, and the past rate at which the court has taken in and disposed of cases. A time-lapse study, pending case data on filings and dispositions, and aggregate filing and disposition data will enable an assessment of the situation relative to national and/or State standards, will identify points in the process where delays are excessive, and will be useful in goal setting and planning. Most successful delay reduction programs share a commitment to controlling caseflow, have time standards for the typical case, provide information on the plan to affected personnel, are attentive to the local legal culture, and collect and effectively use information from the outset. Information needed for ongoing program monitoring is similar to the baseline information. If a program is successful, subsequent time-lapse analysis will show progressively faster case processing times. Leadership, information collection, analysis, dissemination, and utilization are essential to the continued success of court delay reduction programs. Notes are provided.