Access to Justice

Taking their cue from the Supreme Court, the State Courts implemented the Judge Case Conference Checklist initiative for criminal cases. Used in judiciously selected cases, this checklist has enhanced the administration of justice through more efficient and effective case management.

In selected cases, the prosecution and defence counsel are required to fill in this checklist prior to attendance before the trial judge for a case conference. The purpose is to narrow down the issues that have to be determined at trial, and to facilitate the resolution of administrative issues well ahead of trial. For instance, parties are required to consider and indicate upfront whether there are undisputed facts that can be the subject of an agreed statement of facts. The use of the Judge Case Conference Checklist also encourages parties to outline their respective plans for witness and exhibit management, which enables the trial judge to better manage proceedings over the course of the trial.