JP Expedites Caseload With Odyssey
The Tarrant County Justice of the Peace had a process in place that would enable it to scan paper files for entry of case documents for one case type – eviction suits. The court staff would then shred those files after another clerk verifies the integrity of the documents. The court’s ultimate goal, though, was to eliminate the paper files altogether and have a completely electronic case management process across all of its case types.
The court worked with Tyler to implement Odyssey to allow the court’s clerks to electronically manage these eviction suit cases. Clerks use five different case flags to run reports and view information to pull up cases that need to be set for hearing, jury trial, non-jury trial, pre-trial mediation, and prove-up hearings.
The success of this implementation led the court to integrate this paperless process across all case types. With this new process in place, the court can electronically manage the e-filed cases submitted by attorneys and pro se litigants, significantly reducing the time spent creating and preparing cases. The court was also able to improve access to justice by adding a kiosk that allows the public to e-file cases, review case information, and print documents, if needed. This helped enhance the court’s service to the public by providing greater access, convenience, and flexibility for citizens to conduct business with the court.