Joint Statement of Chief Justices
Regarding The Report on the Court Metrics Project

This week the Trial Court issued the Report on the Court Metrics Project, Enhancing the Delivery of Quality Justice. The report is a major milestone in the history of the Trial Court because it is the first time that data and statistics on court performance have been used as a court management tool. It also demonstrates our continuing resolve to fulfill the promise of the Monan Report — achieving management excellence throughout the court system. Of course, it is imperative that we maintain our focus on quality substantive justice as we continue to improve on its delivery.

We want to underscore the significance of the effort to reach this point and to thank all of you for your commitment and hard work, as the Trial Court actively endeavors to increase our accountability and improve efficiency. Massachusetts is one of the first states to use these nationally-developed metrics to measure its performance on the timely and expeditious disposition of cases on a state-wide basis across all departments.

In these challenging fiscal times it is critical that we demonstrate the effectiveness of our efforts and our commitment to manage responsibly the resources we oversee. As the legislature deliberates the FY 2008 budget, we believe that this report provides a strong statement about the seriousness of our efforts.

These measurements help us to evaluate our progress, as we seek continuous improvement in our delivery of justice to the citizens of the Commonwealth.  Again, thank you for your continued dedication as we work together to build on the momentum and energy generated by this effort.

Report on the Court Metrics Project, Enhancing the Delivery of Quality Justice

Boston Business Journal - April 27, 2007 - Report: State Court System Has Improved Efficiency

Boston Bar Journal May/June 2007, Metrics in the Trial Court: Creating a Culture of High Performance