Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young, Jr. recently presented the judicial branch’s budget request to the Legislature, highlighting recent accomplishments in downsizing the judiciary, implementing technology and measuring performance.
Looking forward, the chief justice targeted needed steps to implement further improvements especially to facilitate the transition from a mainframe-based case management system to a web-based model.
“We have cut our spending, increased efficiency, reduced our size, focused on outcomes, and improved service to the public,” said the chief justice. “Michigan’s courts are working smarter for a better Michigan.”
Young said Michigan’s judiciary is implementing the most dramatic downsizing in the nation.
Young has eliminated 11 trial court judgeships — which he said saves $1.7 million annually — and calculates that when his planned cuts are complete taxpayers will save $6.4 million annually.
Young added that over the past five years the judiciary has more than doubled the number of courts that have consolidated operations.
Currently, he said, 64 counties either have consolidation plans or are developing them so that circuit, probate and district courts could share workloads, cuts costs and eliminate redundant administration.
“Saving money is good, but what’s even more important is that service to the public is improved as courts streamline and focus on more efficient operations,” Young said.
With respect to technology, the chief justice noted that funding was needed to roll out a web-based case management system to 251 court locations, representing 80 percent of the state’s caseload.
The technology initiative supplements the expansion of applications that improve public service, such as mobile apps, online payment of traffic tickets and e-filing, according to the chief justice.
Young also hailed implementation of videoconferencing that allows courts to hold hearings without the cost, loss of time and security risk involved in transporting defendants.
For example, he said, four years ago, two percent of prisoner hearings involving the Michigan Department of Corrections were handled by videoconference. Now, 27 percent are handled using the technology, saving about $2 million annually.
Young emphasized the use of performance measures, including case clearance rates, child support collections and recidivism for problem-solving courts.
The goal is for performance metrics to encourage greater innovation by the courts to improve outcomes and better serve the public, he said.
Finally, Young said increases in funding were recommended for mental health courts because analysis reveals that participants were 300 percent less likely to re-offend.
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