Differentiated Case Management

Differentiated case management (DCM) is a method intended to make the processing of court cases more effective. It is based on the notion that all cases are not alike and therefore should not be subject to the same processing events and schedules. Early in the court process, DCM programs sort cases by type of charge, type of offender, and expected disposition. Attempts are made to process less serious cases faster so that more time, resources, and effort can be saved for more serious cases. The goals of DCM are to move cases through the system faster and to make better use of scarce jail space. DCM has the potential to reduce prosecution delays in courts in the United States. These delays can lead to several problems. First, delays can interfere with a defendant's right to a speedy trial. Second, delays can contribute to severe overcrowding in jails and detention centers. Third, delays caused by the vast increase of drug cases leave fewer resources to handle the more serious or violent felony cases. For example, if certain details involving a serious case are overlooked because of insufficient resources, the chances are greater that an innocent person may be incarcerated or that a violent criminal may remain free. Therefore, if DCM is found to be effective, its use could improve the administration of justice, alleviate jail crowding, and better ensure that incarceration is reserved for the most serious offenders.