During the fiscal year, the Judicial Branch's Performance Council developed a comprehensive list of objectives and action plans, the court system focused on the development of a technology plan, and principles of participatory management were employed to solve problems and improve communication. The goal of the Judicial Branch is to administer justice by providing an accessible, efficient, and impartial system of dispute resolution that serves the public interest, protects individual rights, and instills respect for the law. Operation of the Judicial Branch is based on several guiding principles: make justice accessible to all; treat everyone with respect and dignity; work as a team and recognize the contributions of all employees; communicate public information openly and effectively; provide employees with opportunities for continuous learning, growth, and advancement; and provide services that benefit the public. The participatory management approach implemented by the Judicial Branch is detailed, projects in progress are identified, and court operations are described. Projects in progress deal with such areas as alternative dispute resolution, child support enforcement, court-appointed special advocates, court mediation services, gender issues and the courts, indigency screening, and judicial education. Tables, figures, and photographs