By Marie Bowen, Statistical Research Business Analyst
Background
Public satisfaction and good service is very important to Michigan trial courts. Every year, from 2013-2018 (with 2017 being optional), court users were surveyed about treatment and fairness of the court system in addition to ease of access. Between 2013 and 2018, nearly 127,000 courts users expressed their levels of satisfaction and opinions on court performance. Each trial court then uses the survey results to make improvements where needed, motivate employees, and celebrate successes.
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| From 2016 to 2018, more court users agreed that the case was handled fairly. |
Method
Each trial court administers a short, 10-question survey designed by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). The first six questions ask each respondent to provide his or her level of agreement on a scale of 1-Strongly Disagree to 5-Strongly Agree with NA-Not Applicable as an additional response option. These questions include, “I was able to get my court business done in a reasonable amount of time today,” “The way the case was handled was fair,” and “The judge/magistrate/referee treated everyone with courtesy and respect.” The remaining four questions are descriptive questions, such as “What type of case brought you to the courthouse today,” and “What is your gender.” Each respondent is also asked to leave any additional comments or suggestions about his or her visit to help improve the court system or provide praise where needed. Each court must collect responses for a minimum of five days and return all completed surveys to SCAO no later than November 1.
Results
The courts are also courteous and respectful. In 2016, 72% of respondents strongly agreed
that they were treated with respect and courtesy by court staff, which
increased to 75% in 2018, with 100% of Alger County respondents strongly
agreeing to this statement.
Those who attended a hearing or trial reported that cases were
handled fairly. In 2016, 82% agreed or
strongly agreed that the way the case was handled was fair; however, this
increased to 84% of respondents in 2018. Courts in Menominee and Macomb were the two
highest counties with 87% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing that
cases were handled fairly.
"I look forward to meeting with [my probation officer] every month."
Not only are the courts rated highly on the standard
questions, but the public included many positive comments about the court
systems and staff. In the 3B District
Court of St. Joseph County, one participant mentioned that his probation
officer always treats him with respect, and he looks forward to meeting with her
every month. Other participants wrote
that staff is always “very nice,” “understandable,” and “always treat me well.”
In the 1st Circuit Court of Hillsdale
County, respondents wrote that “the court system runs efficiently and fairly,”
while staff are described as “helpful” and “professional.” Respondents described Oakland County’s 44th District
Court judges as “very fair” and staff “always friendly and helpful.”
More detailed results are available on the web for the
entire state
and for individual trial
courts.
Conclusions
Each year, respondents agree that Michigan trial courts are fair, timely, courteous, and respectful. This year, however, the numbers continue to rise, as court staff and judges continue to improve by helping the public receive services and resolve issues in a timely, fair manner. With consistent respect, friendliness, and empathy, Michigan trial courts will continue to improve service to meet the public’s needs.
