ABSTRACT
The courts of the United States have experienced a quiet revolution over the past few decades. Once strictly neutral forums for case adjudication, courts have evolved into tribunals with a dual function. They remain the primary forum for resolving civil and criminal matters; but today courts also proactively seek ways to solve human and community problems. This fundamental change has brought with it new service demands and organizational challenges that have created a need for more systematic and integrative long-term planning. To confront this increasingly complex and dynamic environment, court systems have turned to long-established strategic planning tools and methods. This entry explores concepts, models, and common practices adopted by federal, state, and local court systems in developing and implementing strategic plans.
