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Making Sense of Calendaring System: A Reconsideration of Concept and Measurement

NCJ Number
118874
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (1988-89) Pages: 240-250
Author(s)
M L Luskin
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reviews current definitions of court calendar, identifies the mechanisms by which calendars affect productivity, and proposes a new definition and measure based on these effects.
Abstract
Calendar is narrowly defined in terms of the point and certainty of case assignments. It is located within the set of practices affecting the degree of task differentiation, the match of tasks and resources, and the identifiability and perceived importance of individual effort. Generally, productivity depends on the resources available for the task, individuals' motivations to use these resources, and the effectiveness with which resources are combined. Calendaring cannot change resources, but it can affect the efficiency with which resources are used and judges' incentives to use them. Using a study of calendaring practices in the general jurisdiction trial courts of Minnesota, this article develops measures of the variables of the point and certainty of case assignment and specifies how they are to be combined in an overall measure. 2 tables, 6 footnotes, 23 references.