NCJ Number
391
Date Published
1971
Length
28 pages
Annotation
SEVERE PROBLEMS OF CONGESTION AND DELAY HAVE EXISTED IN CRIMINAL AND CIVIL COURTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY FOR MANY YEARS.
Abstract
IN THE LAST FEW YEARS THE TECHNIQUES OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH BEGAN TO BE APPLIED TO THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF THESE COURTS. THESE APPLICATIONS ARE OF TWO PRIMARY TYPES - THE ALLOCATION OF COURT (AND RELATED) RESOURCES, AND THE SCHEDULING OF CASE APPEARANCES. THIS PAPER SUMMARIZES SOME RECENT WORK IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUANTITATIVE MODELS WHICH FORM THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATIONS, INTRODUCES AN ORIGINAL MODEL, AND SUGGESTS PROMISING AREAS FOR FURTHER WORK OF THIS TYPE. THE MODELS DISCUSSED INCLUDE ANALYTIC AND SIMULATION MODELS OF CASEFLOW, SCHEDULING, AND COURTROOM ACTIVITIES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)