Reimagining civil case management
For over a century, court officials and judicial policymakers have been concerned with the slow pace and procedural complexity of civil litigation. This report calls for a fundamental shift in how courts manage civil cases and emphasizes the need to take institutional responsibility for civil case management.
Who should read this?
- Judges: Discover best practices for efficient and fair civil case management
- Court administrators: Learn how to implement performance measurement for high-performance courts
- Court staff: Explore strategies to streamline case processing and improve teamwork
Why this report matters
The "Reimagining Civil Case Management" report addresses the critical need to reimagine civil case management practices in state courts. It provides a framework for courts to modernize their operations, adopt effective strategies, and ultimately deliver fairer and more efficient justice to all litigants.
Estimated report reading time: 45 minutes
Key considerations for civil case management
Courts control cases
To ensure consistency, the entire court – judges, staff, and infrastructure resources – is responsible for case management.
Cases need triage
Prioritizing cases based on their complexity and needs ensures efficient and fair allocation of court resources.
Remove procedural barriers
Eliminating unnecessary procedural hurdles, especially for self-represented litigants, streamlines litigation and promotes cost-effectiveness.
Foster stakeholder engagement
Communication and collaboration with all stakeholders (internal and external) are essential for implementing case management reforms successfully.
Optimize use of resources
Courts must effectively use staff and technology to monitor and enforce compliance with court rules.
Data drives improvement
A commitment to data and performance management, starting with court leadership, is crucial for reform implementation.
The immediate objective of civil case management is better resource management through effective use of technology, efficient procedures, and effective people-resource allocation. The ultimate goal is greater justice for all litigants served by the courts.
Civil case management FAQs
Discover new ways to improve civil case management
Building civil case management teams
Learn what case management tasks are necessary for court staff in our "Guide to Building Civil Case Management Teams." You'll also get a resource checklist, guidance on staff training, and recommendations for implementation across various court systems.
