Statement of Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall
and Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan
Regarding
The Annual Report of the Court Management Advisory Board
We are pleased to provide the Annual Report of the Court Management Advisory Board (CMAB) 
. The CMAB was established by the Legislature to “assist the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court and the Chief Justice for Administration and Management in their management of the judicial department.” Chaired by Boston attorney, Michael B. Keating, the CMAB is comprised of leaders of the commonwealth’s business and legal communities. A main focus of the CMAB has been to assess the degree to which the Trial Court has implemented the recommendations of the Monan Committee.
The CMAB has presented a balanced and thoughtful report. It acknowledges the progress on certain Monan Committee recommendations, such as the development and application of a court staffing model and the establishment of time standards in each Trial Court department.
The report also provides guidance on the next steps for improving court management. It emphasizes the importance of setting measurable goals and producing management reports on the degree to which the goals are being met.
Consistent with this direction, Trial Court departments have established a set of common goals in the area of timeliness and expedition and will measure achievement in reaching the goals using metrics recommended by the National Center for State Courts (CourTools). We are committed to maintaining the recognized high quality of justice in our courts while improving on the timely delivery of justice.
The CMAB report stressed that 2006 will be a critical year both for maintaining the momentum for improved court management and for documenting such improvements by applying empirical measures. We agree with that assessment. We look forward to working with all of you in fulfilling our common commitment to delivering justice in a more timely and expeditious manner.
