The Docket Control Experiment

As most attorneys who practice in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center know, several of the District Courts initiated a pilot program last fall designed to reduce the amount of settings each case had within a court.  The 177th, 178th, 179th, 230th, 248th and 351st District Courts initially agreed to try the program.

The idea behind the program was that settings would be less frequent and designed to accomplish more than just a monthly check in.  The settings would also be more regimented and less flexible than the status quo most attorneys were used to.

After several months, the reviews of the program, thus far, have been mixed (to put it mildly).

The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is currently seeking input on what all attorneys see as the Pros and Cons of the pilot program, and HCCLA's President Todd Dupont (of the Louisiana Duponts) has asked me to help gather this input.

I'd like to hear your input, whether you are a defense attorney or a prosecutor.  I don't care if you want to e-mail off list or post your thoughts here in the comments.  I also don't care if you want to sign your name to the input or remain anonymous.  We are looking for concrete examples of things that work, don't work, or could be improved upon.

Your assistance would be appreciated.