to keep cost and delay problems to a minimum. In addition, the
recommendations suggested by the Advisory Group provide even
further judicial involvement in the areas of case management,
settlement, alternative dispute resolution, and trial
preparation. Consequently, the Advisory Group firmly believes
that the proposed changes include a significant contribution by
the court.
2. Contributions by Counsel
The Advisory Group also believes that the attorneys in the
district are actively involved in case management, and the
proposed recommendations will strengthen this involvement.
Specifically, the availability of alternative dispute resolution
mechanisms will require attorneys to become knowledgeable about
their cases at an earlier point in the litigation process. In
addition, attorneys will be required to learn about alternative
dispute resolution and be prepared to use it. Finally, the
modified pre-trial procedures, including "working" pre-trial
conferences, will also require more interactive involvement with
the court, which will reduce cost and delay in the district.
3. Contributions by Litigants
Since parties to the litigation will have the ultimate
decision on whether to participate in the various alternative
dispute resolution procedures, the litigants will become more
seriously involved in the litigation process. In addition, ADR
techniques, such as summary jury trials, will require the
presence of parties or their representatives in court well before
relationship with the court that will assist in maintaining and
increasing a high level of productivity within the district.
The Advisory Group wishes to recognize the hard-working
members of the clerk's office who oversee the day-to-day
management of cases and ensure that they continue to move through
the system toward a prompt and fair disposition.
Finally, the Advisory Group gives sincere thanks to the
judges of the district who work very diligently to control the
growing civil and criminal docket and who conduct prompt and
timely trials, for the benefit of all of those involved in the
case.
