Improving court appearance rates
Valuable insights and research-backed strategies to improve appearance rates, streamline operations, and promote fairer outcomes.
Strategies for improving appearance rates
Understanding and improving appearance rates in court proceedings is crucial for a fair and efficient justice system. Our expertise in court administration and research offers valuable insights and practical considerations for courts and stakeholders seeking to optimize appearance rates and promote greater access to justice.
Benefits of improved appearance rates
Efficient court operations
Streamlined hearings and reduced delays lead to more efficient court processes.
Saving public resources
Reducing missed appearances saves money for state and local governments.
Fairness for court users
Increased court attendance promotes fairer outcomes for individuals.
While data on missed appearances is sparse, national research has found that 1 in 6 felony cases involve a missed court date, and case studies have revealed nonappearance rates for misdemeanor cases to be as high as 52 percent in some jurisdictions.
Court Appearance Rate Report, 2024
Related tools and resources
Court appearance rate report
Read the report on NCSC's findings from technical assistance efforts across six courts.
Appearance rate report card
See how your current practices and policies may affect appearance rates and identify opportunities for improvement.
eReminders toolkit
A toolkit for court staff who want to launch a text or email reminder system or learn more about how to improve their current system.
Alternative hours toolkit
This toolkit examines courts providing alternative hours of service and recommends various approaches to expanding hours.
Low-cost ways to increase court appearance
Learn from jurisdictions that implemented low-cost interventions to increase court appearance rates.
Promoting court appearance with procedural fairness
Learn about procedural fairness, court appearance rates, and how courts respond to missed appearances.
Remote proceedings toolkit
Considerations and guidance for adopting policies for remote and
hybrid proceedings, as well as a menu of options for achieving success with
remote and hybrid proceedings that are mindful of court budgets and
capacity.
Explore our appearance rates expertise
Do you have specific questions or need tailored assistance? Get in touch to learn how we can help your court reduce missed appearances and their harmful consequences.
