The eight steps in strategic planning outlined are initiating and agreeing on a planning process; defining purpose and direction (developing organizational mission and vision); shaping the justice system's future (examining trends and trend implications); conducting an organizational assessment; identifying strategic issues and developing strategies; operationalizing the strategic plan; and institutionalizing strategic planning and management. The review of the lessons learned from the study of the nine courts focuses on initiating the strategic planning process, maintaining momentum during the strategic planning process, implementing the strategic plan and institutionalizing strategic management, and enhancing the eight- step strategic planning approach. The experiences of the nine organizations have shown that long-range strategic planning is a proven approach to confronting and dealing with the current challenges facing courts today and planning for a better future. Further, the participants in the jurisdictions generally recognized that strategic planning and management are ongoing and must therefore be institutionalized. 2 notes