The Delaware State Courts will be closed Wednesday, December 25, 2024 for Christmas Day. Justice of the Peace Court 11 (New Castle County) and Court 7 (Kent County) will remain open 24 hours and Justice of the Peace Court 3 (Sussex County) will be open from 6AM – 12AM (no new cases after 11:00PM).

  1. Delaware Courts
  2. Administrative Office of the Courts
  3. Operating Procedures

Operating Procedures


Administrative Office of the Courts


  1. Administrative Office of the Courts

  1. Purpose:

    The Administrative Office of the Courts assists the Chief Justice in the administration of the Judicial Branch Its responsibilities may include the following functions:
    1. Policy Development: Help develop and implement administrative policies.
    2. Judicial Budget: Help prepare, review, and submit the judicial budget and provide additional information related to budget issues to the Chief Justice.
    3. Personnel System: Prepare and administer system-wide policies, standards, and procedures for the management of the judicial personnel system.
    4. Fiscal System: Prepare and administer system-wide policies, standards, and procedures for the management of the judicial fiscal system.
    5. Technology: Design and implement the policies, standards, and procedures for the development and management of the automated judicial information and record keeping systems Provide technological and management expertise and assistance to the Judicial Branch.
    6. Records Management: Prepare and administer system-wide policies, standards, and procedures for the management of the judicial records management program.
    7. Case Flow: Help develop, coordinate, and monitor system-wide case flow and clearance standards.
    8. External Public Relations: Serve as a liaison for the Judicial Branch with the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, local government, the Bar, the media and the general public.
    9. Program Development: Conduct system-wide planning, research, program development and evaluation, and statistical collection and analysis functions.
    10. Continuing Education: Administer the Judicial Branch's continuing education programs for Judicial Officers, Administrators, and other Court personnel.
    11. Facilities and Security: Coordinate statewide facilities issues, including new construction, minor capital improvements, security, and coordinate Judicial Branch efforts on these issues with the Executive Branch.
    12. Staff Support: Provide staffing assistance for committees, boards or task forces, as assigned by the Chief Justice.
    13. Other: Perform other functions as assigned by the Chief Justice.

  2. Amendments to Adopted Policies and Procedures:

    The State Court Administrator is directed, with the approval of the Chief Justice, to implement minor changes to established Judicial Branch policies and procedures on an as-needed basis. Revised policies will be circulated by the Administrative Office of the Courts to the Committee of Presiding Judges and the Council of Court Administrators, and posted online.

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