Performance of the Courts of Appeal

Fiscal Year 2015 - 2016

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GOAL 2: TO PROMOTE THE RULE OF LAW


Objective

2.1 To ensure that adequate consideration is given to each case and that decisions are based on legally relevant factors, thereby affording every litigant the full benefit of the judicial process.

Intent of the Objective

The courts play a major role in our constitutional framework of government by ensuring that due process and equal protection of the law, as guaranteed by the federal and state constitutions, have been applied fully and fairly throughout the judicial process. The rendering of justice demands that these fundamental principles be observed, protected, and applied by giving every case sufficient attention and deciding cases solely on legally relevant factors fairly applied and devoid of extraneous considerations or influences. The integrity of the entire court system rests on its ability to fashion procedures and make decisions that afford each litigant access to justice. The constitutional principles of Equal Protection and Due Process are the guideposts for the procedures developed and decisions made by the courts of appeal.

Responses To Objective

  1. Actions taken during FY 2015-2016 to promptly implement changes in law and procedure.
  2. Actions taken during FY 2015-2016 to ensure that adequate consideration is given to each case and that decisions are based on legally relevant factors.

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1010682548What actions, if any, did your court take during the reporting period to ensure that adequate consideration is given to each case and that decisions are based on legally relevant factors?Actions taken during FY 2015-2016 to ensure that adequate consideration is given to each case and that decisions are based on legally relevant factors.
(Hover on the chart for more information and click on the chart to see which courts chose that response.)
Actions taken during FY 2015-2016 to ensure that adequate consideration is given to each case and that decisions are based on legally relevant factors.
Refresh Charts
Additional actions taken by the courts to address this objective
1st Circuit
The First Circuit began providing written notice to parties upon lodging of the record of the exhibits of record to allow the parties to file any necessary motions to supplement or remand, in an effort to eliminate unnecessary delays attributable to missing exhibits or incomplete records.
2nd Circuit
The Second Circuit ensured that relevant legal consideration to each case is achieved by employing qualified legal support staff, providing electronic legal research tools, and with pre/post conferences, written memoranda and draft opinion circulation. Additionally, members of this court actively participate in the Uniform Rules Committee, reviewing rules on an annual basis to ensure awareness of any changes to existing rules or implementation of new rules.
5th Circuit
The Fifth Circuit sponsored several seminars during the period covered by this report, intended for minute clerks of lower courts to assist with preparation of the appellate record.
ResponseResponse_Court
Additional actions taken by the courts to address this objective3 courts (1st Circuit, 2nd Circuit, 5th Circuit)
Continued to address this objective through the actions indicated below, or implemented the following new actions to address this objective as indicated below:5 courts (1st Circuit, 2nd Circuit, 3rd Circuit, 4th Circuit, 5th Circuit)
Developed or maintained appellate guidelines to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the court's consideration of appeals and writs4 courts (1st Circuit, 3rd Circuit, 4th Circuit, 5th Circuit)
Did not address this objective0
Had pre- and post-argument conferences4 courts (2nd Circuit, 3rd Circuit, 4th Circuit, 5th Circuit)
Had regularly-scheduled writ conferences3 courts (1st Circuit, 2nd Circuit, 3rd Circuit)
Improved docketing and scheduling of cases3 courts (1st Circuit, 3rd Circuit, 5th Circuit)
Obtained or maintained sufficient staff to ensure that adequate consideration is given to each case5 courts (1st Circuit, 2nd Circuit, 3rd Circuit, 4th Circuit, 5th Circuit)
Sponsored a "records preparation seminar" to assist district courts in properly processing appeals, meeting deadlines, and reducing errors that might delay the lodging of the record2 courts (1st Circuit, 5th Circuit)

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