State of the Court 2004

The caseload of our Court continues to grow. We had an increase of 6% in filings from 2002 to 2003 bringing the 2003 total caseload to 3,444 which is 287 cases per judge. The number of applications grew at a faster clip than direct appeals, increasing by 9% in contrast to 4% for direct appeals. There were 2,589 direct appeals and 855 applications filed in 2003. In relation to applications, I have found that attorneys often wish to know the frequency in which applications are granted. In 2003, 23% of discretionary and 32% of interlocutory applications were granted. Approximately 55% of direct appeals arose from civil disputes.

You can now find some of our caseload statistics on our web page. In fact, our information technology staff has been improving our web page technology over the past year to provide better service. Our page now gives attorneys and the public the opportunity to review their appeal's progress in the court through our web docket. An announcement section contains general notices about rule changes and court policy changes. We will be continuing the enhancement of the web page in the future as the court begins development of a portal for obtaining electronic documents and providing electronic access to court documents to be completed within the next few years.

Looking back at what we have accomplished this year, our judges issued 1,415 signed opinions in 2003 or approximately 118 per judge. Of the direct appeals disposed by opinion in 2003 about 56% the trial court decisions was wholly affirmed. 42% of oral argument requests were granted resulting in approximately 190 arguments. A particular focus for our Court this year is to update the Courtroom to enhance the argument process for both the parties and the bench. We will soon be renovating the courtroom to include an electronic presentation system including elmo equipment and computer stations at the bench.

In addition to technology enhancement, the Court is currently undertaking one of its routine reviews of the rules. We will be incorporating appropriate suggestions by lawyers or others that would improve the procedures for processing cases through the Court. I invite you to inform our clerk of any rule changes you believe will assist the appellate process to be efficient and just.