Problem Solving Courts

Specialized Calendars

A specialized court calendar is an alternate way to handle a specialized caseload. For example, a court may choose to group all domestic violence cases together on the docket. Grouping cases ensures they will be handled in a similar manner by the judicial officer, who may also have specialized training in the particular issue. However, cases are not handled differently than they would be in a traditional court hearing - and no specialized services are provided. Therefore, a specialized court calendar is not the same as a problem-solving court. While the specialized calendars are not problem solving courts, they demonstrate a commitment on the part of the court to handling specific types of cases with training and expertise, and highlight the movement in Washington toward problem solving courts and therapeutic jurisprudence.