America’s Ailing Civil Justice System

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This article provides a brief overview of the history of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the challenges that have plagued American civil procedure over the past seven decades, and the various approaches that have been employed—often… MORE

America’s Judicial Selection Wars

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In 2008, fifteen states held contested elections for twenty-six supreme court seats. And, according to national watchdog groups the Brennan Center for Justice and Justice at Stake, nearly $20 million was spent on television advertising, an increase… MORE

Civil Case Processing in the Federal District Courts

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This report draws on data drawn from nearly 7,700 federal cases that were terminated between October 1, 2005, and September 30, 2006, and sets forth a series of recommendations, based on findings from three different types of analysis.

Survey: Colorado Voter Opinions on the Judiciary

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In July 2007, a telephone survey of 726 registered Colorado voters was conducted on behalf of IAALS and the League of Women Voters of Colorado Education Fund. IAALS and LWVCO co-sponsored the survey to better understand voter knowledge and opinions… MORE

A Performance Evaluation Program for the Federal Judiciary

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This article begins with a discussion of the purpose and design of JPE programs, gleaned from more than thirty years of experience at the state level. Part II explores the sporadic history of federal JPE, and explains the historical objections to… MORE

Survey of Experienced Litigators Finds Serious Cracks in U.S. Civil Justice System

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In order to explore concerns about the impact of cost and delay on the legal system with specificity, in June 2007 IAALS and the ACTL Task Force on Discovery jointly began work to examine perceived problems associated with pretrial practice—… MORE

Interim Report on the Joint Project of the ACTL Task Force on Discovery and IAALS

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The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) Task Force on Discovery was appointed in June of 2007 by President David Beck to work jointly with the IAALS to explore problems associated with discovery. After extensive discussion, the… MORE

Final Report on the Joint Project of the ACTL Task Force on Discovery and IAALS

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This report includes a set of 29 proposed Principles that focus on four core areas: pleadings, discovery, experts and judicial management. It is the culmination of an 18-month collaboration between IAALS and the American College of Trial Lawyers (… MORE

The Bench Speaks on Judicial Performance Evaluation

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A 2008 IAALS survey of Colorado's appellate, district and county court judges to gauge their opinions on the effectiveness of the state's JPE process.

The Emerging Challenge of Electronic Discovery

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This report is a must read for small and mid-sized businesses and organizations without e-discovery plans in place. It provides a guide to creating and implementing sound practices with proactive recommendations that will help your business prepare… MORE