In a change of roles, members of the public were given a chance to judge Macomb County courts regarding the level of satisfaction with court performance.
Using a survey that was administered in courts statewide, Macomb courts asked questions about access, timeliness, fairness and whether users were treated with courtesy and respect, among other topics.
“We are very focused on continuously evaluating and improving services for court users,” said Macomb County Circuit Court Chief Judge John Foster. “While we are very pleased with the survey results, we are always looking for ways to increase efficiency and meet the needs of court patrons effectively.”
Highlights from the 2014 survey included:
• 94 percent of court users felt they were treated with courtesy and respect by court sta
• 90 percent of court users felt the way the judge or magistrate handled their case was fair.
• 88 percent of court users were able to get their business done in a reasonable amount of time.
“The Macomb courts have a long-standing reputation of providing great customer service. We are happy to see that the data backs us up,” said Court Administrator Jennifer Phillips.
“It’s a very positive reflection on our outstanding staff and the judicial temperament of our bench,” Phillips said. “Everyone truly is here to serve. I am confident we will build on these results and just keep getting better.”
The public satisfaction survey is part of a statewide initiative of the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office to measure and report on court performance.
More than 26,000 surveys were completed in courts throughout Michigan.
Overall results of the survey, which was initiated by the Michigan Supreme Court, revealed that court users are very satisfied with their experiences in Michigan’s trial courts.
On questions ranging from fairness to timeliness, 26,000 people statewide were surveyed late last year as part of the court’s efforts to measure trial court performance and improve service to the public.
Statewide results included:
• 82 percent of court users felt the way the judge, magistrate, or referee handled their case was fair.
• 86 percent of court users were able to get their business done in a reasonable amount of time.
• 93 percent of court users felt they were treated with courtesy and respect by court staff.
Earlier, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. noted that members of the state judiciary have stepped up to meet the challenge of shrinking state budgets.
He said more than 40 judgeships were being eliminated, a move that will ultimately save taxpayers more than $175 million, he said.
In addition, Young said, three out of four courts statewide have unveiled plans to share resources, balance workloads and increase collaboration.
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