Meetings Steering Committee(Folders 1-2)

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As reflected in the "Vision" report, the Courts must change emphasis substantially, to embrace alternative forms of dispute resolution. Pure volume of filings will become unmanageable by that time, if the Courts merely attempt to process all cases in the traditional adjudicative style. It is the Judicial Department's intent to establish a screening process for every new case, and to direct each case into a program or track, best suited to the resolution of the issues presented. The Courts will oversee numerous ADR programs, assuring quality control while continuing to provide the traditional courtroom option for appropriate cases. It is only through better management of appropriate dispute resolution forums that the Court will be able to assure that disputes are resolved in accordance with the mission of the Judicial Department. Staffinq: The Sub-Committee has reviewed the material contained in the WE Group report and believe that the projections relating to Courts are generally reasonable. However, in one area they have fallen short in their projections for caseload growth. The projections included in the WE Group report (page 16) estimated Circuit Court filings as follows: Year Total Filinqs 1998 18,169 2003 19,439 2008 20,800 2013 21,278 The Circuit Court's actual filings for calendar year 1993 totaled 19,803 which exceeds the projections, even for the year 2003. The CourYs caseload is increasing at a greater rate than the WE Group had projected. The graphs mentioned above from the "Vision" repo~ts show substantially greater growth than the WE Group suggests. Even the projections of the "Visions" groups are considered very conservative by the Judicial Department. While the Judicial Department data projects an even greater need, even the WE Group report projects significant growth over the next twenty years. The WE Group anticipates an expansion of the Courts in Marion County of 33% (four additional Judges to the current Bench of twelve). The Judicial Department's projections would be, at a minimum, more likely in the area of six additional judges, or a 50% increase in Bench size. Even this minimal projected growth, based upon the Judicial DepartmenYs figures, also anticipates a significant change in emphasis requiring substantial staff and other facilities enhancements to accommodate the development and implementation of major alternative dispute resolution programs within the Court system. Page - 5