Better Management Can Ease Federal Case Backlog
GGD-81-2
Published: Feb 24, 1981. Publicly Released: Feb 24, 1981.
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Highlights
Actions necessary to deal with the civil case backlog in federal district courts were discussed. Processing a large volume of cases requires the development and enforcement of a case management system, the use of magistrates and clerks' offices, and an adequate number of judges. GAO found that the degree to which the courts experienced a backlog problem correlated with the extent to which these key requirements were satisfied. Improved court administration would minimize this problem.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Judicial Conference of the United States | The Judicial Conference of the United States should develop a proposed amendment to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to include maximum timeframes for the various steps in the civil process and require each court to establish timeframes within these limits. The Federal Rules also should authorize a judge to waive the time limits for good cause shown, such as case complexity, and to establish alternate time frames where appropriate. The Judicial Conference of the United States should also encourage the district courts to better utilize their clerks' offices in the administration of the courts, particularly for case management and docket control systems, and encourage the district courts to make greater use of the magistrates as provided in the Federal Magistrate Act of 1979. |
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