Michigan Trial Courts Continue to Rise in Performance According to the Public

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.

From 2016 to 2018, more court users agreed that the case was handled fairly.

Judge Sullivan Ends Commanding Run as Performance Measures Committee Chair

By Deb Marks, Management Assistance, State Court Administrative Office

 

Concluding a nine-year run as chair of the Trial Court Performance Measures Committee, Judge Paul Sullivan of the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County recently passed the baton to Judge Shana Lambourn of Ogemaw County Probate Court.  Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman stopped by to recognize Judge Sullivan for his service and to thank the entire committee—on behalf of the Court—for providing standards that are consistent and uniform, yet flexible.  He commented that if the people of Michigan understood the impact Judge Sullivan has had on the performance of the judiciary, they would also applaud his work, impact, and legacy.