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Court Management Executive Summary
CJA/394 Contemporary Issues and Futures in Criminal Justice
January 30, 2012
Troy Hokanson

Courtroom Management Executive Summary
The purpose of court systems is to ensure that a person accused of committing a crime receives a punishment or is released by reviewing evidence against the accused, and to settle any debts that individuals may have. Court systems have to maintain themselves just as any business does; there needs to be leaders, changes, and an effort to become better every day. For court systems to continue and become a better functioning mass there must be a willingness to change as well as ensuring there are timely hearings, and willingness to respect the court and communities that surround it.
Court processes and responsibilities The primary purpose of the court systems is to determine which verdict to ascend on the offender, which means determining if the accused can be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The court provides an environment in which the defense, and the prosecution can argue their points based on outlines of the (Gaines, Kaune, and Miller2000, p. 207). The state Courts of Appeal review and renders decisions on cases appealed to them from the lower circuits of the state court system. No jury trials are held at this level, they simply review the cases for legal sufficiency and render a verdict either affirming them or remanding them back to the lower courts for re-trial. State Supreme Courts hear every case, which has been appealed past the circuit court and appellate levels and - like the appeals court - no jury trials are held in front of them either although the opposing lawyers for both sides can appear and deliver their respective arguments. Cases appealed to the state Supreme Court have reached their highest level at this point and the State Supreme Court's decision is final and binding. Cases can move out of the state courts system into the Federal court system only if the case involves or contains some over-riding interest in, or conflict with, Federal law.
Strategic Planning and Vision The daily operation of the courtroom is very complicated. Courtroom operation is dependent on an effective organizational structure and personnel committed to achieving the highest level of results. Vision is very important tool in the direction and drive of any organization. A courtroom is like any other business because it requires leadership to help plan for the future. If an organization is not diligent in adapting to future events it will become obsolete. Visioning and strategic planning assist court systems to ensure they avoid isolation and create and maintain momentum for change, and improve day-to-day court management (Nat, 2011). Both strategic planning and the ability to develop a strong vision can improve the operations of a courtroom. In a constantly evolving society marred by political changes and financial shortfalls the court system must develop strong plans to continue to provide the best results for society. By setting a strong vision for the direction for the operations of the court system helps to focus the efforts of courtroom personnel.
Future Court Processes
Though courts have been evolving and changing for years, it is important that courts continue to evolve and make the changes necessary. Providing the best outcome for the court systems, and the individuals connected with the court systems either by trial or by working for the court systems. These changes have to be effective and achieve the ultimate goal that the court systems were initially designed to do; to provide timely and effective resolution of legal matters while promoting respect for the courts and maintaining independence (Brenda J. Wagenknecht-Ivey, John A. Martin; it is a New Day: Future Trends Require Revolutionary Changes in Courts). The changes that the courts need to implement to be successful is for courts to work with local and state justice partners, redesign internal court work processes, enhance court governance to improve efficiency, implement monitoring systems to report and modify court and justice system performance, introduce assertively succession-oriented recruitment and training programs, and perfect decentralized service strategies, which emphasize providing services at sites throughout communities (Brenda J. Wagenknecht-Ivey, John A. Martin; it is a New Day: Future Trends Require Revolutionary Changes in Courts).
Conclusion
Court systems have been ever-changing and will continue to change to ensure that offender and victims are given the opportunity to have their issues heard. Court systems will continue to hear cases and ensure the proper verdict is administered. There are changes within the court systems that would make the system a better functioning matter; some of these changes include partnerships between local and state courts, working to improve the systems performance, train the personnel better, and ensure they are providing support to the communities in which they surround.

References
It's a New Day: Future Trends Require Revolutionary Changes in Courts. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.ncsc.org/sitecore/content/microsites/future-trends/home/Enhancing-Access/5-2-Its-a-New-Day-Future-Trends-Require-Revolutionary-Changes-in-Courts.aspx
National Association for Court Management. (2011). Visioning and Strategic Planning. Retrieved from http://www.nacmnet.org/CCCG/cccg_10_corecompetency_visioning.html
Robinson, M. B. (2009). Justice blind? Ideals and realities of American criminal justice (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson/Prentice Hall

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