What are court performance standards?
State court performance standards vary. However, a good guide is the National Center for State Court’s Trial Court Performance Standards and Measurement System (TCPS). It identifies five standards by which trial court performance in the United States should be assessed: (1) access to justice; (2) expedition in case processing and timeliness in the implementation of new law and procedure; (3) equality, fairness, and integrity; (4) independence and accountability; and (5) public trust and confidence. The TCPS also articulate specific goals for court performance, including ensuring that court facilities are safe, accessible, and convenient to use; establishing and complying with recognized guidelines for timely case processing; and ensuring that the trial court is perceived to be both independent and accountable. Preserving public trust and confidence is achieved by (1) enhancing access to justice, (2) providing a fair and timely judicial system, (3) maintaining the quality and integrity
