Enhancements to Legal Information Network Lower Costs, Improve Safety

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Pierce County is the second-most populated county in Washington. As population increases, the number of court cases and filings also increase. At the same time, budget pressures have made it increasingly difficult to meet this challenge. In response, Pierce County has enhanced its Legal Information Network Exchange (LINX) system, which provides county government with integrated case and document management. Electronic filing of court documents have lowered county costs and expanded public understanding of the judicial process. E-filing also allows the media near instant access to public court documents, creating transparency. Pierce County is also one of the first jurisdictions to institute an Electronic Court Order (ECO) system which streamlines the criminal arraignment process by allowing court orders to be filed electronically. Not only does ECO improve an important business function, but it also promotes greater collaboration between judges, attorneys, and defense attorneys. Additionally, LINX has been expanded to meet greater public demand for judicial services. The kiosk system allows citizens to apply for temporary protection orders without having to visit the courthouse. Pierce County’s LINX system has been praised by local and state partners, and is being considered as a model for a similar statewide legal information network.