As the place where justice starts, it is the mission of the Justice of the Peace Court to serve the people of Delaware by efficient and accessible administration of justice for all, and to treat all persons with integrity, fairness, and respect.

While the mission statement outlines the court's organizational purpose, the vision statement defines the desired state of the Court in the future and provides us with a reference point as to how we would like the Court to operate in the future.

The Justice of the Peace Court will:

• Be sensitive and responsive to the needs of a diverse community.
• Use cutting edge technology to increase: citizens' access and convenience in using the Court and the Court's ability to reach sound decisions through the best available access to factual and legal information.
• Treat all individuals using the Courts with the utmost respect.
• Have a service oriented approach in dealing with users of the Court.
• Use strategic planning to develop and maintain the highest possible level of services to the public and to responsibly seek, use and account for public resources.
• Insure that court procedures and structure best facilitate the expeditious and economical resolution to disputes.
• Insure equal application of the judicial process to all cases, which are fairly decided based upon legally relevant factors.
  

The following goals are based on the information gathered by the subcommittees, including concerns expressed by the public, attorneys, and court staff, as well as the analysis of future trends. They are intended to help the Court address problems and move toward its vision for the future. The Planning Committee also identified a number of key issues relating to each of these goals which need to be considered for implementation.

As we move closer to meeting these goals, we should move closer to becoming the Court envisioned in our Vision Statement. That, in turn, will increase our ability to most effectively accomplish our mission.

I. Improve Customer Service to the Public

Key Issues:

• time required to process cases
• time spent by litigants waiting in the courthouse
• need for more public information about Court procedures
• whether hours should be increased for civil and 8 hour criminal courts for public convenience
• security
• decriminalization of minor traffic offenses
• customer service training
• staff vacancies

II. Ensure the Quality of Justice provided by the Court

Key Issues:

• need to increase uniformity in procedures
• ensure accountability for quality products
• need for attorneys general and public defenders
• consideration of use of alternative dispute resolution
• collections
• planning for needs of key stakeholders (youth, elderly)
• consideration of judicial specialization
• staff training

III. Improve the Infrastructure of the Court

Key Issues:

• use of technology as a process for accomplishing goals
• development of technology plan
• caseload and workload distribution
• condition of facilities
• location of facilities

Address Employee Concerns

• supervisor training
• new employee orientation and training
• shift differentials in pay
• development of career ladder for clerks
• reclassification of staff positions to higher pay grades
• additional incentives for employees
• ongoing personnel committee