GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 231

Short Title:  Case Management/Courts.	(Public))

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Sponsors: Representatives R. Hunter, Hensley, McCrary, and Michaux.

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Referred to:  Judiciary I.

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February 21, 1995

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO REQUEST THE SUPREME COURT TO ADOPT A PLAN TO ADMINISTER JUSTICE WITHOUT DELAY IN NORTH CAROLINA TRIAL COURTS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The North Carolina Supreme Court is requested to develop and implement a case flow management plan designed to avoid delay and unnecessary appearances and to increase efficiency in the handling of cases in North Carolina's trial courts.  The plan should:
(1)	Place responsibility for managing the flow of cases on specific persons;
(2)	Adopt case processing standards and goals;
(3)	Address the problem of delay;
(4)	Avoid unnecessary appearances in court by parties, witnesses, and attorneys;
(5)	Provide mechanisms for keeping continuous control of cases;
(6)	Have short-set deadlines throughout the process;
(7)	Include a limited continuance policy;
(8)	Consider the interests of victims and witnesses;
(9)	Set out accountability mechanisms; and
(10)	Provide for training of those persons responsible for managing the case flow.
Sec. 2.  The Supreme Court is requested to make a report detailing the case flow management plan to the 1995 General Assembly, Regular Session 1996, by January 1, 1996.  The report should include the recommended standards and goals; a report of the plan to implement those standards and goals; a timetable for implementation; persons responsible for managing the flow of cases and how they will be held accountable; how the plan is going to be evaluated; what training is necessary; and recommended legislation to facilitate implementation.
Sec. 3.  This act is effective upon ratification.