Court Management Executive Summary

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.

Court consolidation is a form of restructuring wherein all state paid court personnel are blended into a single circuit court under the appointing authority of the Circuit Clerk. This court design differs greatly from the previous structure which consisted of a Circuit Court and one or more Associate Divisions.

The Circuit Clerk serves as appointing authority for the Circuit Court and Associate Judges are the appointing authority for the Associate Divisions.

Court consolidation was introduced by the Office of State Court Administrator in 1996. OSCA supported court consolidation and encourage the Missouri State Courts to consolidate by offering attractive incentives to courts as well as proposing many benefits through consolidation. Courts voluntarily commit to consolidation after approval from the Court en Banc.