Extension of Simpler Civil Procedure in Unified Courts

Extension of Simpler Civil Procedure in Unified Courts

Welcome to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) site for the Extension of Simpler Civil Procedure in Unified Courts.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on July 3, 2001. The Judicial Council seeks the services of a consultant with expertise in statistical research and knowledge of civil procedure to conduct an empirical study concerning possible extension of simpler procedures in general civil cases. Unification created one level of trial court but retained three separate procedural tracks divided according to amount in controversy: unlimited civil cases, limited civil cases, and small claims cases. Proposals to extend simpler procedures to more cases have been considered in various forums. These changes include:

  • Extending economic litigation procedures to a wider range of cases.
  • Increasing the jurisdictional limit for some or all small claims cases.
  • Increasing the use of alternative dispute resolution in small claims and limited civil cases.

The purpose of this study is to determine what effect these changes would have on:

  • Quality of justice
  • Access to courts and efficiency for the parties
  • Efficiency for the courts

The consultant will work closely with AOC staff in identifying the most important empirical questions to ask in determining the effects of the potential changes on the quality of justice and court administration. The consultant will design data collection methods and instruments, collect data, submit progress reports, and help develop recommendations.

Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2001.

Commencement of Performance: Performance will begin as soon as the contract is signed and approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Contract development and approval may take two to six weeks.

For further information regarding this RFP, please contact Alice Vilardi at 415-865-7661 or Janet Grove at 415-865-7702.

RFP for Extension of Simpler Civil Procedure in Unified Courts