Criminal Law Library Blog
The Staffing, Operations and Technology: 2025 Survey of State Courts, the third annual report by Thomson Reuters Institute with support from the National Center for State Courts AI Policy Consortium, captures insights from 443 judges and court professionals across State, County, and Municipal courts, gathered via an online questionnaire between March 26 and April 15, 2025. It examines how digital transformation and technological advancements are reshaping court operations, access to justice, and workforce trends.
Key findings highlight significant operational strain: 68% of courts reported staffing shortages last year, and 48% of court professionals say they lack sufficient time to perform their duties . Workloads have increased. 45% of respondents noted heavier caseloads, 39% flagged rising complexity, and 24% observed increases in court delays and continuances according to Thomson Reuters.
While many courts now conduct virtual hearings, there are growing concerns about the digital divide impacting litigant participation. Technological adoption is progressing. Most courts use key automated tools, but gaps remain, especially in budgets and infrastructure, despite the broader legal environment embracing AI and Generative AI.
Generative AI stands out as a potentially transformative force: 55% of respondents say it will have a high or transformational impact on courts over the next five years, yet only 17% are currently using it, and merely another 17% expect to deploy it within the next year. Courts estimate that GenAI could save them nearly three hours per week in the short term, expanding to nearly nine hours weekly within five years .
In summary, this comprehensive survey offers court leaders, policymakers, and legal professionals a wealth of data and analysis on current workforce pressures, operational challenges, and the evolving promise—and caution—around AI integration in courts