IV. Statistics on GJU Hearings Held and Decisions Issued
In 2018, the GJU conducted 73 full evidentiary hearings, a decrease from the 178 evidentiary hearings scheduled in 2017. The decrease in the number of scheduled hearings was caused by two factors: As older cases are closed, newer cases are being reached for hearing and the newer cases are more likely to go forward and require a full evidentiary hearing. Therefore, as magistrates spend more time in each hearing and more time writing each decision they are not available to preside at evidentiary hearings as often. In addition, uncertainty about the date of DALA’s move resulted in fewer hearings being scheduled in October, November and December. While the number of evidentiary hearings decreased, the number of dispositive orders issued by the GJU increased to 991 from 960 in 2017. The difference between the number of full evidentiary hearings and the number of orders issued is caused by the fact that the GJU aggressively manages its docket to ensure that those cases that require a full evidentiary hearing get them as quickly as possible, while those matters that can be decided on the papers are.
| Date published: | April 3, 2019 |
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