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IT Consolidation Cited in Leaner Federal Judiciary

"The entire Judicial Branch accounts for only 0.2 percent of the nation's budget. For us, these are real savings."

Photo: U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts

In his year-end report on the federal judiciary, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts touted cost saving measures which he said should save as much as $300 million from 2009 through 2017. "The Judiciary is steeped in history, but not tied to the past," said Roberts in the report. "We have increased efficiency through the use of information technology, which accounted for 5 percent of the Judiciary's 2004 budget. The courts now routinely use computers to maintain court dockets, manage finances, and administer employee compensation and benefits programs. The Judiciary has achieved significant savings through more cost-effective approaches in deploying those systems. For example, the courts have found that they can employ new technology in tandem with improvements in their national data communications network to consolidate local servers and other information technology infrastructure. The Judiciary's consolidation of its jury management program resulted in a savings of $2.0 million in the first year and an expected annual savings of $4.8 million through 2012. A similar consolidation of the probation case management system is projected to save $2.6 million over the same period. The Judiciary is currently undertaking a consolidation of technology in its national accounting system, which is expected to achieve savings and cost avoidances totaling $55.4 million through 2012. Those at the Office of Management and Budget or the Congressional Budget Office may not be impressed by these numbers, but don't forget: The entire Judicial Branch accounts for only 0.2 percent of the nation's budget. For us, these are real savings."

Wayne E. Hanson served as a writer and editor with e.Republic from 1989 to 2013, having worked for several business units including Government Technology magazine, the Center for Digital Government, Governing, and Digital Communities. Hanson was a juror from 1999 to 2004 with the Stockholm Challenge and Global Junior Challenge competitions in information technology and education.