 Superior Court of CA - County of Santa Clara
www.sccsuperiorcourt.org
Many California superior courts offer commendable Web services, but Santa Clara takes the top prize for e-court features. Jury service status, great self-help, online traffic school and traffic payments are enough to make the winner's list ... what puts this one over the top are the shared collaboration with San Mateo County for small claims forms assistance, and a superb Intranet function for complex civil litigation. |
 THE SUBORDINATE COURTS OF SINGAPORE
www.subcourts.gov.sg
Various jurisdictions in Singapore have consistently rated at the top of this list, but the Subordinate Court is a two-time winner that sets a new high with this revamped site. The aesthetically pleasing, functional navigation delivers top-notch e-court fare such as e-filing and traffic citation payments through a citywide ATM network. But they take things to the next level with RSS feeds, podcasts, a blog, Virtual ADR, E-Judge Think Tank, and Justice Online Meeting Services. They even have a font size adjustment to make this terrific site easy on the eyes. |
 Forty-sixth Circuit Trial Court, MI
www.circuit46.org/
So many things were done well on this site, yet there are a few that stand above the rest. For instance, the online case information, payment and reporting system is superb. A nice feature is Friends of the Court where changes in addresses and child support information can be filed. An excellent online customer satisfaction survey is also available. While this site contains the features that we now consider normal, such as a good calendaring system, online forms and easy-to-understand court information, it contains special features such as a top-notch glossary. This is also the first site that we have seen that allows access to attorney's schedules. |
 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO
www.saccourt.com
This unprecedented four-time winner keeps getting better each year. Their impressive choices in online court services are obvious. What is less obvious is that they host web features for other courts, opened E-filing to commercial vendors and enhanced user indexing options. Add high profile case rulings, commuter travel tips and a virtual tour to earn top ranking in court websites. |
Clerk of Courts, Hamilton County, OH
www.courtclerk.org/
The Hamilton County, Ohio, Clerk of Courts site was rated number 1 by our reviewers because of the wide variety of services provided on the site. Users can search current and historical cases in a number of different ways. An online payment system for traffic fines is in place and users may use their credit cards to pay fines. Court dockets, schedules and calendars for all divisions, civil, criminal, probate, etc.; were accessible online and easy to use and understand. Their system appears to provide public access to the court's case management system online. We were impressed. |
 Maricopa County (AZ) Superior Court
www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov\
The on-line calendar at this site is outstanding – it is versatile and complete, with a link to individual case information. It also has a now-famous self-service center, written in language understandable by lay people, and the news flashes are up to date. |
 THE SUPREME COURT SINGAPORE
www.supremecourt.gov.sg
The Singapore Ministry of Law and Subordinate Courts were past winners, but this appearance of their Supreme Court, which consists of the Court of Appeal and the More important, this website deserves highest honor for the number and sophistication online court services. It has online e-filing, access to judgments, Law-Net litigation booking of the high tech courtroom and booking of the "Mobile Info-Tech Trolley." Information Service even text-messages a variety of information to cell phone subscription users via an easy menu of codes. The toggle switch to translate the site into Chinese added bonus. This is a great example of migrating court services to the Web. |
 New York State Unified Court System – E.Courts
e.courts.state.ny.us/
This is a wonderful site that embodies the best of e-government for all the courts in New York State. Features include acceptance of credit cards, statewide case index, next appearance query, email notification for next appearance, and even unique email addresses for attorneys. An exceptional model for Internet-based court services. |
 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
www.occourts.org/
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 Pima County (AZ) Justice Courts
jp.co.pima.az.us
Limited jurisdictions are where most people interact with courts, and this website allows customers to pay traffic tickets, file small claims cases, track calendars, and obtain self-help assistance. As added human interest, they provide a live webcam of El Presidio Plaza from Tucson's City Hall, with time and current temperature. The first in a series of repeat winners this year, and this 2000 winner exemplifies court services on the Web. |
 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
www.sbcourts.org
This is a clear winner of the number one court website this year for their “Remote Electronic Access” feature disseminating case information and press updates about the People vs. Michael Jackson criminal jury trial. They even provide an informative streaming video explaining the application and how it has saved countless staff hours while making the court more accessible to the public it serves. Add to this their web fine payments for traffic and criminal cases, and online tentative rulings and docket information for world-class cyber-services. |
 Ventura Superior Court, California
courts.countyofventura.org/
A beautifully designed user interface on a fast server, easy to use and information rich, this court website is our first choice. Heavy content includes online calendars, online traffic ticket payment, case index for civil and criminal areas, docket information, online Grand Jury application, E-filing, and bilingual online community outreach and customer service surveys. |
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 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
www.lasuperiorcourt.org
In 1999, the Los Angeles Municipal Court won in our first competition. Now with court consolidation well underway in California, the LA Superior Court has earned an award for its all-round e-service excellence. It has online case summaries, court calendars, small claims e-filing, civil documents, criminal index, divorce records, and even video court appearances using a private contractor. The array of e-traffic offerings, alone, is worth a visit, and the experiment with Spanish language offerings is commendable. To top things off, it has an online calculator to count the number of court days and translate into a date. |
 NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS
www.ncsconline.org
This repeat winner from 2003 is the mother lode of court websites with so many features and so much content that it’s impossible to list them all here. Their Best Practices Institute, CourTopics and CourTools, jobs listing, links to court websites, Court Technology Bulletin blog, publications bookstore and research papers are well worth a visit. Click on “Court Websites,” then on “State Court Structure Charts” for a real treat – a state-bystate description of court organizational structures and jurisdictions. |
 The Court Service of England and Wales
www.courtservice.gov.uk/
This site has received several deserving awards for innovation in online court services (including ours in 2002), offering online filing of civil claims and the ability to exchange case information through the Internet. Users can track the status of each courtroom that is refreshed every 10 minutes, and court information is available in several languages. |
 COURTS AND TRIBUNALS IN VICTORIA – AUSTRALIA
www.courts.vic.gov.au
This is an impressive portal to the seven court jurisdictions serving this south eastern state in Australia and its capital city of Melbourne. E-court services include e-filing, online calendars, extensive case search capabilities, solicitor electronic data interchange, online fine payment and a commendable “fairer and firmer” compliance program. They even offer online court appointments. Back in 2000, the County Court won this award, but this combined site earns Victoria a return visit to the winner’s circle. |
 The COURT SERVICE of England and Wales
www.courtservice.gov.uk
This site has received several deserving awards for innovation in online court services that includes online filing of civil claims, and the ability to exchange case information through the Internet. Users can also track the status of each courtroom. |
 Georgia Probate Court On-Line System
https://gaprobate.gtri.gatech.edu/
This is a secure site that provides everything anyone needs to file and maintain a probate case. Forms can be downloaded or completed on-line, and a full guardian’s handbook and explanation of personal representative duties is available. It is also an innovative partnership with education to develop a worthy Website. |
North Dakota Supreme Court
www.court.state.nd.us/
Excellent calendars with automatic updating, the ability to subscribe via e-mail for new opinions, a wide range of available opinions and overall good design and implementation characterized this excellent North Dakota site. Unique was the broadcasting of Supreme Court sessions via Real Audio™ to the Internet for Law Day in North Dakota. |
 Delaware Municipal Court, OH
www.municipalcourt.org
Live streamed court proceedings, 10 most wanted with pictures, the ability to view domestic violence convictions and orders and DUI convictions, all with pictures, make this Ohio court Website standout. Add in the ability to pay traffic tickets online, access online jury information and jury questionnaires, a well-organized calendaring system and an excellent law library and it becomes obvious why this site is one of the best we reviewed. |
 Utah State Court, Utah
courtlink.utcourts.gov/
This is a secure site that provides everything anyone needs to file and maintain a probate case. Forms can be downloaded or completed on-line, and a full guardian's handbook and explanation of personal representative duties is available. It is also an innovative partnership with education to develop a worthy Website. |
 Subordinate Courts of Singapore
www.subcourts.gov.sg
Last year, the Ministry of Law in Singapore won a prize ... this year, the Subordinate Courts earn recognition for a stunning array of court Web features, including multi-door courthouse, e-commerce online dispute resolution, Justice Online videoconferencing for attorney court appearances, small claims e-filing (and video appearances), and a good self-help centre. |
 NEW YORK STATE UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM
www.courts.state.ny.us
This three-time winner is tops in statewide E-court services. In addition to a dizzying array of online features, they support ADA compliance and multiple languages. |
 COLORADO STATE JUDICIAL BRANCH
www.courts.state.co.us
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 California Courts
www.courtinfo.ca.gov/
We've watched this site evolve into a highly useful resource for the public, trial courts, attorneys and government agencies. Among their many services are online forms, calendars, opin-ions, minutes, rules, links to superior courts, links to e-filing locations and a top notch self-help tool in English and Spanish. They're a welcome addition to the "best of" club. |
 Clark County Clerk, NV
www.co.clark.nv.us/clerk/clerkhome.htm
An excellent case access system for all civil, criminal, family case information with superb search capabilities characterize this site. An extensive form system, a great calendar system with extensive flexibility and online search for fictitious business names round out this site. |
 INDIANA COURTS
www.in.gov/judiciary
This site has a good organizational structure, with features for the public, judges, attorneys, law students and K-12 educators. They offer online child support calculation, online access to opinions, and their citizens guide has several informative streaming videos. |
 Washtenaw County Trial Court (MI)
www.co.washtenaw.mi.us/depts/courts/index.htm
What can we say, except that this site offers an impressive array of online traffic payment, searchable opinions, lists of signed orders, and superb domestic relations resources. No wonder it is a repeat winner in the Top 10 ! |
 RHODE ISLAND JUDICIARY
www.courts.state.ri.us
The smallest state in the union offers great online content combined with exceptional navigation to help widely disparate users customize their web experience. Plusses are multiple languages, notorious case webcasts, and a jury service video. |
 FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
www.fedcourt.gov.au/
This three-time winner also grabbed honors in 2002 and 2004, yet it keeps improving with age. Services include e-filing, online calendars, enhanced e-search of records, audio & video of judgment summaries and a court calendar email subscription. An innovative feature that is unmatched in other court websites is the "E-court Forum" that allows interactive access to court orders and directives. The choice of language offerings is particularly impressive. |
 Arkansas Judiciary
courts.state.ar.us/
This is an excellent Website, especially for attorneys. Users can search opinions, read the state codes, and there are numerous articles and publications, as well as procedural instructions. Its links to other sites and graphics are impressive. |
 STATE COURT OF CHATHAM COUNTY GEORGIA
www.statecourt.org
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 National Center for State Courts
www.ncsconline.org
NCSC has always had rich Web content, but this site has now grown into a full-fledged court information portal for all things related to judicial administration. The content is now sorted into more intuitive categories and the CourtInfo portal is a rich resource for best practice, research and background on a stunning variety of court-related topics. Users can even find common solutions to compliance with ADA regulations. |
 Sacramento Superior Court, California
www.saccourt.com/
A clean, well-organized interface makes this site a rare repeat winner of the Top 10 award. Features include a fast server, excellent online e-filing, small claims e-filing, case index and tentative rulings. We also liked their simple and clear case type definitions, excellent ADA information, grand jury reports and superb search capabilities for civil, criminal, probate and family law. The ability to file small claims cases online, alone, is worth a visit. |
Los Angeles Municipal Court
www.lamuni.org/
Well-organized, easy-to-use and the provision of civil, small claims, unlawful detainers and traffic information online distinguished the Los Angeles Municipal Court site. The ability to pay traffic fines online and the capabilities of the Web Court impressed our reviewers. It also loads very quickly. |
 THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
courts.phila.gov
This repeat winner from 2005 keeps adding new features to warrant an encore performance. Previous e-services include traffic citation payment, online calendars, e-filing and file retrieval, but now graduate to RSS feeds, attorney Intranet, and even PDA-enabled content. |
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 Pima County Justice Courts, AZ
jp.co.pima.az.us/
The ability to search civil, criminal and traffic court dockets make this site a standout. Access to internal court reports by authorized individuals demonstrate the trend to allow Websites to do internal court work. Filing small claims online and accessing orders of protection and harassment injunctions information online make this one of the best court Websites. |
 Ministry of Law, Singapore
www.minlaw.gov.sg
This island nation is significantly advanced in e-government initiatives, and their law courts are on the front edge of innovation. We especially liked the "Justice Scorecard" effort to measure quality service delivery in the Subordinate Courts. |
 NEBRASKA WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT
www.wcc.ne.gov
Workers' compensation courts are a growing specialty field in administrative law, and this website demonstrates how to use the Web effectively to help litigants and practitioners. It has an RSS feed to inform subscribers of court news, a good online records search feature, decision & order database, online calculators and even electronic data interchange. |
 New Jersey Judiciary
www.judiciary.state.nj.us
Several state court websites were strong contenders, but New Jersey has it all, including e-filing, statewide traffic index and online payment, statewide civil calendar index, online opinions and a mass tort information center. |
 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
www.sanmateocourt.org
Dozens of California superior courts have noteworthy websites, but San Mateo County deserves special recognition for their first listing in the Top 10. Web traffic citation payments, EZLegal Forms, online dockets and excellent self help are joined with CourtCall telephonic court appearances and online tentative rulings. In a refreshing twist, they call ADR “appropriate” dispute resolution. |
 CLARK COUNTY COURTS (NV)
www.clarkcountycourts.us
It is all too easy for court customers in Las Vegas to get confused trying to access court services among the various justice agencies in Clark County. This portal not only brings these jurisdictions under one roof, but makes the interface very user-friendly. Regardless of which agency provides the online service, visitors are provided a one-stop shopping experience to find traffic ticket payment, e-jury services, case retrieval and online forms. |
 Chatham County (GA) Courts
www.chathamcourts.org/
They've done it again - a repeat winner from 2000, these courts have banded together to offer a one-stop web presence with e-filing, fine payment, jury postponement, docket index and forms. |
 NEW JERSEY JUDICIARY
www.judiciary.state.nj.us
What doesn’t this site offer online? It’s a great one-stop-shop for most court services in the state. Supreme Court webcasts, a mass tort clearinghouse and kids page earn New Jersey a return visit to the winner’s circle. |
San Diego Superior Court
www.sandiego.courts.ca.gov/superior
Superior calendaring capabilities for civil, domestic, criminal and probate made this site shine. Additional pluses were the very clean, well-organized interface and excellent downloadable forms. A unique feature was the ability to order a CD-ROM of case information and the ability to obtain updates to that information. |
 Alaska Appellate Courts
www.appellate.courts.state.ak.us/
This site provides appellate opinions, forms, and oral argument schedules. Of special interest is the information about how the Website and associated processes were designed and implemented; other courts should consider this report when developing a Website. |
 SINGAPORE SUBORDINATE COURTS
www.subcourts.gov.sg
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 5th Court of Appeals, Dallas, Texas
courtstuff.com/5th
Full text searching on both published and unpublished opinions and full searching capabilities on cases and attorney information are just some of the features provided by this impressive site. Additionally, parties may request e-mail notification when events change including case and calendar events. A tickler e-mail may be sent as a reminder. For these reasons, this site is a must have in our Top Ten. |
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 Federal Court of Australia
www.fedcourt.gov.au/
Another repeat winner from 2002, the Aussie Federal Courts offer e-filing and online calendars. What puts them over the top is "eCourt," a virtual courtroom where evidence, submissions and orders may be made online. |
 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA
www.sccsuperiorcourt.org
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 Marion County (IN) Clerk of Court/Superior Court
www.indygov.org/clerk/
This site has a child support calculator so parties can estimate their own child support payments. It also allows on-line payment of parking tickets, has an entertaining history of parking tickets throughout time, and very creative FAQs (frequently asked questions). |
 Delaware County (OH) Municipal Court
www.municipalcourt.org
This is a deserving repeat award winner with features such as online traffic ticket payment, searchable public records, live Webcast of proceedings, and an online juror questionnaire. |
 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF PLACER
www.placer.courts.ca.gov
This is a reminder that small courts can also offer very good web content. An audio track introduces visitors to the site and extra features include print view and sort order. |
 LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT
www.lasc.org
This state court site offers online access to opinions and even a free RSS news feed of up-to-date rulings. But what sets it apart is their "Louisiana Protective Order Registry," which allows users to login for a wealth of information and access to thousands of civil and criminal protective orders issued by Louisiana courts. |
 Waukesha County (WI) Family Court Self Help
courtselfhelp.waukeshacounty.gov
Although they do not have a full spectrum of court jurisdiction, these folks concentrate on their main mission: offering top-notch resources to self-represented litigants in the family court. Procedural checklists, a representation quiz, divorce flowchart and much more exemplify super service. |
 Washtenaw County Trial Court, MI
www.co.washtenaw.mi.us/depts/courts/index.htm
An e-mail based electronic filing system, a searchable opinion database and an excellent calendar system characterize this site. |
 Gwinnett County Courts, Georgia
www.gwinnettcourts.com/
The ability to calculate fines, look-up cases and access "quick links" to other sites of interest are some of the features that distinguish this site. The easy of use and navigation tools are worthy of note. |
 IOWA JUDICIAL BRANCH
www.judicial.state.ia.us
Several state court portals have won in the past, but this is Iowa's first appearance on our list. They earned this distinction with a clean, well organized site that boasts video appellate arguments, appellate opinions, trial court records, payment of traffic & minor criminal offenses, email notification subscription, and professional regulations. Records search and retrieval are free, with fee-based enhancements. |
 NORTHERN IRELAND COURT SERVICE
www.courtsni.gov.uk
This site has for-fee records search, online calendars and a cool small claims e-filing service, but two distinctions earn this site an award — first, is well-organized online education application, and second is a “standards of service” pledge for website service performance. |
Sacramento Superior Court
www.saccourt.com
A superb searchable database of cases, very good downloadable forms and good organization made this site stand out from the crowd. |
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 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF GLENN
www.glenncourt.ca.gov
The third Californian on our list is another small court that packs big court website features. A huge selection of online services is delivered via a useful interface, along with enhanced, localized self-help assistance. |
 Malibu Municipal Court, CA
malibu.co.la.ca.us/
Access to civil and small claims cases and a very user-friendly interface contribute to the excellence of this site. |
 Hamilton County Clerk of Courts (OH)
www.courtclerk.org
The citizens of Ohio are fortunate to have another repeat winner in this impressive court website that includes online parking ticket payment, name search, dockets, case documents and e-filing. They also offer an exhaustive list of links to other useful resources. |
Shawnee County Court, Topeka, KS
www.shawneecourt.org/
Electronic filing, a good set of downloadable forms and simple and neat organization qualified this court for inclusion in our Top Ten. |
 New Mexico State Judiciary
www.nmcourts.com/
This Web page has an excellent case access index, FACTSweb. The court also accepts e-filing via the site, and has a library of family law forms. |
 FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
courts.phila.gov
This jurisdiction handles common pleas, municipal and traffic courts with plenty of online content including citation payments, calendars, online dockets, not guilty pleas with requests for trial, orphan court e-filing, and access to Pennsylvania’s impressive child support Intranet. A good array of e-services for a people’s court, and another deserving first time winner. |
 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (FL)
www.hillsclerk.com
This is an excellent interactive site serving the Tampa area that excels in several ways. It is well organized, ADA-compliant, features text sizing, and offers live online chat and a blog. The “how do I find” pull down menus are a great way to easily locate online records search, pay traffic citations and even pay (and track) child support. |
 The Oklahoma Supreme Court Network, Oklahoma
www.oscn.net/
Full case searching for Supreme and Appeals Courts, limited court documents, and information for all 77 district courts contribute to this siteÕs selection. Access to over 2,000,000 court documents clinches the deal. |
 US DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT OF NEVADA
www.nvd.uscourts.gov
While most US District Court websites offer similar online records access (through PACER) and e-filing (through ECF), the District of Nevada does a good job organizing the content and providing aesthetic, functional navigation. The link to the federal court OSCAR feature is worth a visit ... this allows online application and review for clerkship positions. |
 Superior Court of CA - County of Riverside
www.courts.co.riverside.ca.us/
This mixed general/limited jurisdiction court offers web fine payments, calendars, files, self-help, interactive forms, interactive jury support and even the ability to order court reporters' transcripts online. This is good e-government. |
 Pierce County (WA) Legal Information Network Exchange
www.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps/linx/main.cfm
Who else is offering an electronic inmate indexing feature that includes booking charges and links to Superior Court cases? Users can also view and print Superior Court and jail calendars online. Finally, this site has case indexing, a host of online attorney content and an e-filing Intranet. |
 COURTS SERVICE OF IRELAND
www.courts.ie
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 NORTH CAROLINA BUSINESS COURT
www.ncbusinesscourt.net
This specialized court is a commendable concept in which complex civil litigation throughout the state may be ordered to Business Court, or requested by the parties to be assigned here. The court has three different locations and offers an array of in-court technology support, as well as e-filing, e-service of process and videoconferencing. |
Seattle Municipal Court
www.ci.seattle.wa.us/courts/house.htm
Payment online for traffic offenses, juror rescheduling online and the ability to accept applications for volunteers on the web set apart the Seattle Municipal Court. |
 Florida State Courts
www.flcourts.org/
A Cybercourt for secondary school teachers and students, oral argument broadcast, Supreme Court arguments live, case of the month for Cybercourt, and State Bar results make this an innovative and informative site. |
 NORTH CAROLINA BUSINESS COURT
www.ncbusinesscourt.net
This specialized court is a commendable concept in which complex civil litigation throughout the state may be
ordered to Business Court, or requested by the parties to be assigned here. The court has three different
locations and offers an array of in-court technology support, as well as e-filing, e-service of process and
videoconferencing. |
 CONNECTICUT JUDICIAL BRANCH LAW LIBRARIES
www.jud.state.ct.us/lawlib/
The state court portal itself is a past winner, but this law library site is worthy of separate honor as best in its class. It offers the usual access to statutes and regulations, but also allows "ask a librarian," search of the catalogue and a link to court cases through the court portal. |
 The High Court of Australia
www.hcourt.gov.au/
This site covers all bases of an appeals court – calendars, searchable judgments, summaries of previous and future cases, and links to relevant sites. Of special interest is a map of the U.S. with links to all Federal Court Websites. |
 SEATTLE MUNICIPAL COURT
www.cityofseattle.net/courts
Limited jurisdiction courts have high customer contacts and this repeat winner is an excellent example of how to deliver online services right. Extras include marriage service requests, volunteer opportunities and video jail visitation. |
 THE MISSOURI JUDICIARY
www.courts.mo.gov
Since its first appearance on the Top 10 list in 2000, Missouri has implemented Case.net, a statewide case management system to offer case indexing and retrieval for all state courts, statewide online fine collection, calendar listings, high court opinions and JEWELS (Judicial Education Web Learning System). A solid model for state court content. |
 US Bankruptcy Court, Eastern Division of Virginia
www.vaeb.uscourts.gov/
Bankruptcy courts have appeared on the Top 10 list in previous years because they are pioneers in web court services. This site has a good array of e-filing, PACER case access, email case notification and even an online help desk. |
 Alaska Court System
www.state.ak.us/courts
This website offers a one-stop shopping for all legal service needs in the state. They have a good family law page, self help center, statewide name index, calendars that are updated hourly, and extensive links to other legal resources. |
 US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia
www.dcb.uscourts.gov
US Bankruptcy Courts have much of the same Web content that includes a robust electronic filing system. However, this site is laid out better than others, including online access for daily calendars, credit card acceptance from attorneys, and the PACER system offering a fee-based subscription service for file information. |
 IOWA JUDICIAL BRANCH
www.judicial.state.ia.us
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 Alberta Courts, Alberta, Canada
www.albertacourts.ab.ca/
A very easy user interface with a searchable judgments database and a province-wide display of calendars are the main selection factors for this site. |
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 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF NAPA
http://www.napa.courts.ca.gov
This California superior court proves you don't have to be big to be among the best. For their first listing in the Top 10, Napa has traffic citation payments, EZLegal Forms (statewide), online calendars, tentative rulings, case indexing, interactive jury services and even the ability to fill out a questionnaire to serve on the grand jury. |
 The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
http://www.ninja9.org/
Ask a Judge, a Courthouse Virtual Tour; good forms, juror appearance lists, a juror video and live broadcasts of court sessions distinguish this site. |
 QUEENSLAND (AUSTRALIA) E-COURT
http://www.ecourts.courts.qld.gov.au
This state serves north eastern Australia and its capital city of Brisbane. The e-court website is the technology front door to the six Queensland court jurisdictions that offers e-records search, e-calendars and a description of their e-courtroom for complex litigation. Nearly all of the court locations offer free wireless Internet access. |
 US District Court for the District of Columbia
http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov
DC is on a roll for quality federal court Web services. The E-Government Act of 2002 mandates Web applications for US federal courts, but some excel at it. The e-filing features are readily accessible, as are dockets, calendars and opinions. As a bonus, they offer email notification on high profile case activities for interested parties. |
 TEXAS COURTS ONLINE
www.courts.state.tx.us
This statewide portal is mostly a pass-through to the non-unified local courts, but their Supreme Court has partnered with St. Mary’s University Law School to offer webcasts that are exceptionally high quality. Check out their archives to see for yourself. |
Wisconsin Circuit Court Automation Program
http://ccap.courts.state.wi.us/
This excellent site provides access to civil, criminal, probate and other types of cases for circuit courts in Wisconsin. Calendar and docket access are also provided. It has a very good help system. |
 The Missouri Judiciary
http://www.osca.state.mo.us/
Missouri has an ambitious case access system, Case.Net, that will soon extend to all courts in the state. The site also has information about the automation system itself, which can be useful to other courts considering similar systems. |
 Brevard County Clerk of Courts, Florida
http://www.clerk.co.brevard.fl.us/
Juror appearance information, online excusal and postponement request, a fully searchable case management system and substantial customer information contribute to Top Ten selection for this nicely designed site. |
 Washington State Courts
http://www.courts.wa.gov
Another good statewide portal for the courts, this site has a unique "find your court date" feature, links to counties offering online juror services, and a state courthouse tour. |
 SPOKANE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
www.spokanecounty.org/districtcourt
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 AUSTRALIA NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT, FINES RECOVERY UNIT
http://www.fru.nt.gov.au
This Australian Department of Justice website is truly best practice in recovery of court fines that includes debt management services and features several methods to comply: BPay bank account transfer, online payments using credit cards, Centrepay deductions from monthly stipends, payroll deduction and EFTPOS electronic funds transfer using government ATMs. Court compliance couldn’t be easier. |
 New York State Unified Court System - E.Courts
http://e.courts.state.ny.us/
There is a reason that this site is a repeat winner from 2002 ... they offer excellent e-government serv-ices that includes credit card fine/fee payment, statewide case index, next appearance query, email noti-fication case notification, and fee-based case tracking. |
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 Cobb County, Georgia
http://www.cobbgasupctclk.com/
A superb calendaring system with extensive search capabilities and statistics, plus a fully searchable civil and criminal database are some of the characteristics that add this court to the list. Others include a searchable fines and restitution database, an attorney search and a very nice user interface. |
 TRAVIS COUNTY (TX) DISTRICT CLERK
www.co.travis.tx.us/district_clerk
The small number of online services is more than offset by their superb I-jury functionality. Jurors used to endure mass calls for impaneling, but can now do so online. Their customer base choosing the web over personal appearance is staggeringly high. |
 US DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
www.mdd.uscourts.gov
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 US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York
http://www.nysb.uscourts.gov
Most of the content of this site is devoted to e-filing, which is the best service that courts can offer. The delivery is straightforward and easy to use. |
 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS
http://www.dccourts.gov
In their debut on the Top 10 list, the DC Courts offer good choices for online services including private contractor e-filing for civil, juror services and a child support calculator. The ability to accommodate multiple languages to better serve a culturally diverse jurisdiction sets this site apart from the competition. |
 VERMONT JUDICIARY
http://www.vermontjudiciary.org
Another first time winner, Vermont has online court of appeal records, statewide superior court calendars, VTlawhelp, child support calculator, audio files of high court arguments and even online courses for court employees. This is a good portal into statewide judicial services. |
 Superior Court of CA - County of Sacramento
http://www.saccourt.com/
It was bound to happen, and this site is highly deserving of its status as a "three-peat" winner. Its features include a super small claims e-filing, online juror excuse/postponement, case indexing, tentative rulings and a virtual tour of the various courthouses in the jurisdiction. |
 CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT, MARICOPA COUNTY (AZ)
http://www.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov
This prior winner from 1999 has completely reorganized its site with improved navigation to offer e-filing, records search, and a whimsical characterization of their electronic court records initiative called “The eVentures of E-diana Jones.” The “How do I” menu display and file folder organization are very effective; the child support payment history is top-notch service. |
 Connecticut Judicial Branch, CT
http://www.jud.state.ct.us/
Access to civil/family case and calendar information, bar exam results and a nice kid's page set this site apart. |
 Chatham County (GA) Court
http://www.chathamcourts.org/
This site provides case information, court calendars, and e-filing. It also has a creative home-page index. |
North Carolina Judicial System Site
http://www.aoc.state.nc.us/
This site is a very good example of a centralized state judicial system website. Criminal calendars are searchable for all 100 counties. An innovative website to teach kids about the courts also made this site stand out. |
 Vermilion (OH) Municipal Court
http://www.vermilionmunicipalcourt.org
Just because a limited jurisdiction court serves a population base of only 11,000, doesn't mean they don't appre-ciate the need for quality Web court services. Online payments are good here, but this court will also tell you what services and advice their clerks CAN give. A good FAQ and online case indexing is offered. |
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 ALABAMA’S LEGAL INFORMATION NETWORK
www.alalinc.net
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 SELF HELP SUPPORT
http://www.selfhelpsupport.org
A repeat winner from 2004, Self Help Support is a virtual treasure trove of over 1,800 items, checklists, resources and program descriptions from exceptional self help operations worldwide. The interactive content includes listservs, practitioner networks, an e-newsletter and webinars. “Borrow” their list of helpful websites for the self represented as a great reference tool. |
 BREVARD COUNTY CLERK OF THE COURT, FLORIDA
http://www.brevardclerk.us
A repeat winner from 2001, Brevard has above-average interactive choices that continue to grow. Jury services have improved, traffic citation payments are added, and the criminal and civil case records have impressive cross-reference search criteria. A link to foreign language translation support is recognition of diverse customer needs. |
 HAWAI’I STATE JUDICIARY
http://www.courts.state.hi.us
State high court sites seem to dominate this year’s roundup. Hawai’i offers online
payment, a juror orientation video, web-accessible dockets, and self help text to gain their first appearance in our Top 10. |
Clerk of the Court, Maricopa County Court Site
http://www.maricopa.gov/clkcourt/default.html
An excellent case history database and the ability for attorney's to change their office addresses online distinguished this site. |
 San Diego (CA) Superior Court
http://www.sandiego.courts.ca.gov/superior/index.html
This is the second time the San Diego site has been chosen for the Justice Served Top Ten list. The site continues to be an outstanding example of on-line services, and has been enhanced to include Probate Examiner notes. It is a commendable court Website. |
 Federal Court of Australia
http://www.fedcourt.gov.au
The federal courts here offer e-filing and online calendars. What sets them apart are their "introducing the courts" page and easy to understand privacy statement. |
 County Court of Victoria - Melbourne, AU
http://www.countycourt.vic.gov.au/
Good court lists (calendars), callover timetable and complete judgments as well as a good list of court sittings make this the first international court selected for our list. |
 Alchua County (FL) Clerk of the Court
http://www.clerk-alachua-fl.org
This north/central Florida county site serves a relatively small population base of 200,000, but its website is packed with good content. It offers an online civil traffic citation index, online jury excusal/reassignment and a host of electronically accessible public records. Noteworthy extras include ancient records and a virtual museum. |
 Franklin County Municipal Court, Ohio
http://www.fcmcclerk.com/
Public access to the court case management system, online traffic offense payment and a clean and simple user interface all give this site the nod for inclusion on our Top Ten list. |
 CENTER FOR COURT INNOVATION
www.courtinnovation.org
This public/private partnership with the New York State Unified Court System (our #2 winner this year) is a terrific resource that offers demonstration projects, publications, lessons learned and even podcasts of innovative programs to assist victims and promote public trust and confidence in justice. |
 Self Help Support
http://www.selfhelpsupport.org/
OK, so technically they're not a court website. Nevertheless, what this site offers is worth recognition. They are an online national clearinghouse of information relating to self-repre-sentation geared to attorneys, courts, legal clinics and even the public. They offer libraries, best practices, topical listservs and a wealth of information that supports the work of courts. |
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