Interactive Court Data Dashboard launched to make judiciary more transparent to public

In an effort to boost transparency, the Michigan Supreme Court has launched the Interactive Court Data Dashboard (www.courts.michigan.gov/news-releases/2023/april/interactive-court-data-dashboard-launched). The data provided in this user-friendly interface was formerly only available in a static format (separate PDF files for each county). This dashboard is part of the Michigan Supreme Court’s mission to make the state judiciary more transparent to the public and seeks to fulfill the core value adopted by the Michigan Judicial Council for the judiciary to “be responsible and answerable for our conduct and performance, and be transparent in the use of public resources.

For the first time, the dashboard allows the public to access a wide array of trial court data that can easily be reviewed by year, court, county, case type, and a range of other filters. Users can also compare and analyze incoming and outgoing caseload data, showing how cases are disposed as well as case clearance and case age
rates. The dashboard also includes two informative videos to help the public use the database.

The Supreme Court also Monday released its 2022 State of the Judiciary Report as part of the MJC 2022 Year in Review.

“The highlight of 2022 was achieving consensus across all three branches of government in support of the investment needed to launch a statewide case management system,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement. “Combined with the continued expansion of e-filing statewide, courts are making huge strides to both become more efficient and user friendly. Just as important, real time statewide data collection will provide information needed for policy decisions on issues ranging from juvenile justice reform to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Clement also focused on the substantial accomplishments of the Michigan Judicial Council, including development of a statewide strategic agenda and related
operational plan, steps that are outlined in the 2022 Year in Review.

The MSC 2022 State of the Judiciary Report provides a wide range of information regarding the composition of the bench, judicial salaries, and caseload data for courts at all levels. The report highlights how the percentage of female judges has grown from five percent in 1981 to 45 percent in 2022.

The report also describes key milestones achieved during 2022, including adoption of court rules regarding online proceedings to encourage consistency, increase access, and allow for judicial discretion.