2003 - usaid/ofda

months. If this wend continues bqond the Project. the target cocns should be able to cornpletcl~ clear their
backlog of old cases. thus focusing on expediting case processing with new cases.
AOJS's work with the hvo pilot couns has multed in the development of sustainable case management
systems; both automated and paper-based; streamlined procedures and incrcaxd capacity for these hro
courts to be straregkally positioned for expediting care processing in the future. Au~om~ed caw
management systems institutionalized at both the NCC and ISC consistcnlly provide the rwo pilot couns
with accurate data and repons that have enabled them to focus on the issue of thc backlog of older crses.
bringing many ofthew cases to final disposition. The Projm team is ofrhe opinion that. once the backlog
of older cases is cleared. the two pilot courts will be able to utilize their cnhanced cd manemt +stems
and procedum. and i n c d institutional capacity. to reduce case delay in new cases. Future ~plicuion of
thae enhanced systems and capacities beyond the hvo pilot couns should therefore conmbute to dwing case delay in targeted Couns of Fint Instance in Egypt.
AOJS's work also led lo the development ofthe first National Case Delay Reduction Plan. This Plan ms
developed by three senior-level and I2 mid-level judge who attended a U.S.-bed workshop on caw
managcment and case delay reduction. which took place in February 2002. The Plan provided an
operational framework for Egyptian Couns of First Instance to addms case delay duction in a st~~turcd
and systematic manner. It was presented to the Minister ofJustice for review. and vas subsqumtly adopted
by the Chicrlustices of all Couns of First Instance in Egypt during a ChiefJustica Workshop organized by
the Project in close collaboration with NCJS. This Plan represents a kcy milestone for AOJS. and provides a
framework for the implementation of effective casc detay reduction strategies in and beyond the ~m pilot
couns in the future.
Increased utilization ofaulomated systems to expedite case initiation and processing
Since its inception. AOJS conducted detailed analyses ofthe automation needs of the ruo pilot courts and
designed targeted automation solutions to address those needs. The Projm's work multed in the
development and implementation of a Typing Pool at both K C and ISC to process case judgments and
other documentation electronically.
The Project also worked closely with ia panner work units to design and implmmt an automated Case
Initiation and Receipting Network (CIRN), which it introduced. tested and fine-tuned r che pilot couns lo
contribute to streamlining and expediting casc filing and fee payment processes. The htat version ofthe
ClRN offers a Windows-bed application with comprehensive case fee calculation functions. enhanced
case distribution and panel assignmcnllre-assignment functions. improved user interface and enhanced
internal program design to allow the system to operate with a high degree of efftcicnq. The latest venion
also allows users to gcncratc daily financial and cash receipt rcpons as mll as cawload distribution and
judicial panel assignment reports. thus facilitating the management of the case initiation phase All civil and
commercial cases at the pilot couns are now initiated using the CIRN.
The ClRN has proved to be an cxncmely useful tool to providc increasing levels of transparency and
accountabiliry in the pilot couns. When a new case is filed. the system randomly wlcclr thc judicial panel.
reducing the opponunity for judge shopping by the attorney andlor rent seeking by the coun stan in
addition. any case not randomly assigned appears on a casc management repon rwicvcd by the Chief
Justice. Additional reports highlight potential fraudulent assignments or frquent assignments ofpanicular
anomeys to one panel.
Another key Project achievement in the area of coun automation is the desi~n
and implementation ofthe
Case Management Application (CMA) at the two pilot couns. The ChlA is an Arablzed. Lotus Soles.
Egyptian coun-based integrated computer application with excellent casc. litibant and men1 dam mrding
and management functions. This application was rigorously tcsled and upgnded throughout the life of the
Project. The latea version offen cnhanced features including a new uwr interface. an expanded system
infrastructure, and cnhanced management and reponing capabilities. The lBXl Content Xlanager.'Common
Store application software was added to the systcni for electronic archiving of clowd cases and electronic