Why is this important: This measure gauges whether a court is keeping up with its incoming caseload. If a court is resolving fewer cases than are filed with the court, a growing inventory of pending cases is inevitable. Knowledge of clearance rates for various case types over a period of time can help the court identify emerging problems and target improvements.

Why is this important: The measure is already being captured and reported. The change in the description clarifies what is actually being measured: Client Retention Month over Month. Retention is an accountability measure because the longer participants are engaged in the program and treatment, the better their outcomes after leaving the program.

Why is this important: A large-scale study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed that around two-thirds of individuals released from prison or jail were rearrested within three years. Obviously, the goal for the corrections system should be to find a way to keep individuals out of prison after their first arrest.

Why is this important: The Pretrial Services Supervision Unit supervises felony and misdemeanor defendants who are granted pretrial release, which requires the defendant to comply with court-ordered conditions, such as drug treatment, psychological counseling, stay-away orders, or frequent reporting. If an individual is granted pretrial release, a Pretrial Services case manager will be assigned to the case and will monitor the individual's progress throughout the adjudication period.

Why is this important: An increase in mediation shows that more cases are being handled and resolved outside of a courtroom and allowing more serious matters to be brought before a judge. This also allows those that can not afford an attorney an alternative for access to justice.

Why is this important: N/A