Best Court Management Software for 2025

A study by the National Center for State Courts has found that effective case flow management can help any court across all types and all manners of disposition (NCSC, 2020). The study looked into differences in timeliness and established that effective work processes are a major factor driving the capacity of a court in meeting Model Time Standards.

The use of court management software automates and streamlines court processes, leading to increased efficiency. Aside from carrying court matters functionalities, document management, and some of the key features of the best content management software systems, court case management software products provide secure communication and file-sharing capabilities, comprehensive legal practice and reference guides by state and jurisdiction, and quick access to legal research via articles and case law, among other tools.

This article presents a list of the best criminal case management software that can help your organization in achieving consistency and competency in your case operations. The unique tools and features of each software are provided so you can choose which one can help enhance your legal practice. For pricing information, the vendors provide a quote upon assessing court requirements.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, the United States judicial system saw a rapid digitalization of processes to cope with the ever-evolving health mandates. Recent data shows that 93% of judges and court professionals conducted and/or participated in remote hearings in 2020 (Thomson Reuters Institute, 2021). In almost all aspects of court proceedings, courts embraced technology to slow down the rapidly increasing case backlogs. The rapid pivot to using court management software radically changed the court landscape. In criminal cases, it tremendously benefits from the availability of court case management system and evidence management software to consolidate evidential materials presented in courthouses.

Court case backlogs, however, were already a problem even before the pandemic. A study on the problems surrounding court backlogs conducted in 2022 showed that 98% of felony cases were processed within in 365 days (Thomson Reuters Institute, 2022). This is higher than the 85% processed in 2019.

In addition to this, court case backlogs have increased since the pandemic. A recent survey showed that there were 1274 case backlogs in 2021 compared to 958 in 2019 (Thomson Reuters Institute, 2021).

Case filings dropped dramatically in the first months of the pandemic, and have not returned to 2019 levels except for probate.  However, even with the drop in filings during the pandemic, for almost all case types, dispositions fell behind. According to the National Center for State Courts (2022), there were only 986,352 dispositions, 1,182,703 filings, and 196,351 pending court cases as of January 2021.

While courts struggled to cope with backlogs that were aggravated by the pandemic, the situation also presented itself as an opportunity for growth. While there are many challenges in a virtual court environment, the best case management software convinced court professionals that when all files are stored in a single platform, there is greater transparency and faster workflow. In fact, a recent web based case management software survey shows that 77% believe the level of accessibility to justice increased in virtual environments (Thomson Reuters Institute, 2021).

Indeed, the efficiencies achieved through case tracking software, automation, and digitization have significantly improved court management. Just as other online platforms help in creating a business name generator, the connected court systems streamlined operations and increased public access to the judicial system. Due to this, an overwhelming majority of legal professionals expressed plans to continue hybrid court hearings in the future. Among the types of hearings included in these plans are civil cases (57%), criminal cases (45%), and family law cases (37%) (Thomson Reuters Institute, 2021).

The intention to continue hybrid hearings and other court proceedings virtually demonstrates that courts have embraced technology as a major driver of efficiency. Court management software has delivered solutions to congestion in the courts. While the shortage of judges is another problem, the ability of the best court management software to streamline processes will affect the rendering of justice and speed up the time spent between the date of filing to the date of trial.

For your court management requirements, carefully take note of the features of the following prosecutor case management software and focus on how these tools could benefit your team and enhance your operations.

The Integration of CRM Tools with Court Management Software

Integrating Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools with court management software presents a transformative approach to modernizing judicial workflows. While traditionally aligned with business contexts, CRM systems can enhance court operations by streamlining communication, optimizing case tracking, and enabling user-friendly interfaces for both the public and legal professionals.

Courts are now using CRM tools not just for case management but to foster better interactions with stakeholders, from attorneys to litigants. These tools help automate appointment reminders, manage inquiries efficiently, and offer detailed insights into service metrics. For courts that aim to improve public accessibility and transparency, CRM tools integrated into case management solutions provide a centralized hub for managing relationships and tracking service delivery.

Moreover, selecting a CRM solution that syncs seamlessly with existing court frameworks can enhance the overall efficiency of operations. To explore comprehensive CRM software options suited for various institutional needs, visit Research.com’s insightful guide on the best CRM tools. A tailored approach to integrating CRM and court management software ensures streamlined operational processes and improved user experience, paving the way for a more accessible judicial system.

When selecting court management software, it’s essential to consider the unique requirements of your court’s operations and choose a system that enhances efficiency, security, and accessibility. Here are some key points to help you decide on the best solution:

• Evaluate Your Court’s Specific Needs. Consider the court's case volume, case types, and specific administrative processes. Some software options like Odyssey Case Manager and Fullcourt Enterprise offer comprehensive features suitable for larger courts, while others like Incode Court Municipal Justice cater to smaller, municipal settings.
• Identify Essential Features. Look for features that directly address your court’s requirements, such as eFiling, secure document management, case tracking, calendaring, and real-time data access. Courts handling a high volume of criminal cases may benefit from software with evidence and docket management capabilities, like C-Track or eCourt.
• Consider Remote and Hybrid Capabilities. Since many courts are adopting hybrid proceedings, choose software that supports virtual hearings, secure remote access, and real-time updates. This capability is increasingly valuable, with options like Synergy Case Management providing comprehensive remote features, including eSummoning and online case tracking.
• Ensure Security and Compliance. Court data is highly sensitive, so prioritize software with robust security features such as encrypted data storage, role-based permissions, and secure public access portals. Options like Verdict by Cott Systems and ICON Case Management offer strong data protection and access controls to prevent unauthorized access.
• Budget and Customization. Software costs vary widely. Customizable options allow you to configure the system to meet specific court needs and can be worth the investment. Compare pricing models and customization options from vendors to find the right balance between functionality and cost. UniCourt, for instance, offers scalable features suitable for various budgets.

List of the Best Court Management Software

1. Odyssey Case Manager: For Enterprise Case Management

The Odyssey Enterprise Case Manager is the core of the Enterprise Justice product suite of Odyssey. It is an online case management software designed for the unique needs of courts of any size, from small country courts to large statewide implementations. Enterprise Case Manager provides secure access to party and case data, functioning as a single case-type system, or as the hub of a unified, highly integrated case management system. For comprehensive court administration requirements, Enterprise Case Manager offers complete tools that will streamline and automate processes across the entire justice system.

Key Features

• eFiling
• Judge’s application
• Clerk and court minutes
• Document management
• Public access
• Financials
• Workflow and task management
• CMS integration and ECF standards

2. Benchmark: Case Management for Courts of Any Size

Benchmark is a full court case management software that secures all the important case data for state, country, or municipal courts by providing seamless conversion. It is capable of integrating with virtually any system and provides clerks with full access to an electronic court docket. This allows clerks to retrieve and print documents as needed in the courtroom, and update case information in real-time. The Benchmark Web tool allows public users to access their case information conveniently from their personal computers. Although this access has limitations, it significantly helps in reducing courthouse traffic.

Key Features

• Access to all dockets, data, and images
• Multi-case in-court processing
• Pre-trial access for all parties
• In-court electronic signatures
• eFiling
• eSigning
• Web access
• Easily generate check or electronic disbursements
• Automatically calculates fees and fines based on the statute and charge

3. Incode Court Municipal Justice: Designed For Municipal Courts

Incode Court Municipal Justice is a full court enterprise solution that gives you everything you need to streamline case management, increase compliance, and decrease your workload. This feature-packed software solution is designed to solve the challenges that local and municipal courts face every day. Without relying on third-party vendors, Incode Court Municipal Justice provides case resolution tools as well as a virtual court that facilitates hearings via a secure video stream.

Key Features

• Automated processing
• Integrated document processing
• Integrate financials, collections, and payments
• More than 80 standards reports
• Customized reporting and analytics
• Integrated jury management

4. C-Track: For Optimizing Day-to-Day Court Operations

C-Track is a docket management software and web-based court management platform that automates court workflow for increased efficiency. It optimizes day-to-day court operations, including case processing, encoding of case information, presiding over hearings supporting court technology, and interacting with courts on a regular basis. It easily adapts to the unique rules and critical processes of your local court. C-Track easily integrates with other internal and external systems, thus providing streamlined workflow and faster case processing.

Key Features

• Advanced rules engine
• Calendaring and scheduling
• Electronic court docket
• Case information
• Entity and party management
• Case relationship management
• Reporting
• Security and access level restrictions
• Web-based platform

5. eCourt by Journal Technologies: Browser-Based Case Management System

eCourt by Journal Technologies is a court management system software and document management and eFiling solution used by prosecutor and public defender offices, trial and appellate courts, including probation, tribal and state, and county governments. It is a configurable business processing platform that is designed to meet the needs of your court or agency. eCourt by Journal Technologies can be deployed on the cloud or on premise.

Key Features

• Access case files and notes from any web browser
• Automate repetitive tasks
• Built-in workflow processing
• Web services API to interface with third-party systems and departments
• Intuitive user-interface
• Automated, configurable notifications for text and email
• Public access functionality
• Electronic payments, as well as search and view case information
• Configuration, training, and customer support

6. Fullcourt Enterprise: Case Management for Large and Small Courts

Fullcourt Enterprise is a case management software solution that is configured to efficiently manage court cases. One of the best case software solutions, it adapts to your unique workflow, whether you belong to a large state or a small local government. It has an easy-to-use browser-based interface, a powerful back-end infrastructure, and modular tools and applications. FullCourt Enterprise solution offers deployment, help desk capabilities, consulting and training services, and complete initial configuration options.

Key Features

• Complete case management
• Scheduling
• Fee management and collection
• Automated document creation
• Jury management
• Drug court management
• Child welfare management
• Integration with Police Records Management systems
• Integration with other government offices and agencies
• Document imaging

7. DuProcess Court Case Management: The Fully-Functional Court Software

DuProcess® Court Case Management is a software solution developed specifically for courts. This fully functional, process-oriented software captures all significant data from initiation through post-disposition. DuProcess Court Case Management has a client-server desktop interface that allows for the easy input of information, which is also fully integrated with MS Word for document and form generation. Among the tools included in the system are imaging capabilities for scanning and retrieval of case-related documents, and a web-based inquiry for remote access.

Key Features

• DuProcess Workflow
• DuProcess Call Modules
• Capture and recording of information
• Master person database
• Client-server desktop interface
• Imaging capabilities
• Web-based inquiry for remote access
• Role-based security

8. Jayhawk Court Software: For Simple and Quick Court Case Tracking

Jayhawk Court Software is a case management platform that provides a system for tracking offenses, dispositions, judge’s notes, hearings, warrants, suspensions, and payments. It is a comprehensive solution that includes customized reports and documents for all court reporting requirements. The search tool of Jayhawk Court Software can easily locate cases by defendant name, case number, and citation number. You can also add additional fields depending on your unique work processes.

Key Features

• Remote or on-site training available with court-experienced staff
• Case search tool
• Electronic interface for ticket import with various eTicket vendors
• Electronic transfer to KBI through RAPID
• Documents are auto-generated with the case information

9. JURY + Web Generation: The Browser-Based Court Records Platform

JURY + Web Generation is a jury management software solution that is designed to adapt to the operations of courts of all sizes. It is specifically designed for jury management, which includes source lists to summonses, payroll, and back-end reporting. JURY+ Web Generation easily interfaces with other advanced technologies, which makes it the ideal platform as your court caseload expands.

Key Features

• Graphical user interface (GUI) and relational database (RDBMS)
• Adapts to any user environment
• Supports Oracle and Microsoft SQL server databases
• Option to host locally or off-site
• Processes juror source lists and groups
• Handles 2-step and 1-step business rules
• Sends questionnaires and summonses
• Forms jury panels
• Records juror service and basic case information

10. Casedoc Court Case Management: For Advanced Case Management

Casedoc Court Case Management is a court and justice software that provides a comprehensive and end-to-end solution for the automation and optimization of daily work processes. Through workflow synchronization, Casedoc Court Case Management allows teams to effectively collaborate. Built on the Advanced Case Management Platform of Casedoc, it provides organizations with all required case types, workflow, rules, document, and record management. Powered by the Casedoc platform, it is a standard system for centralized operations and management of documents, judicial processes, sharing information, and inter-team collaboration.

Key Features

• Online collaboration and self-service portal
• Dedicated API for public access and online filling
• Integrated document and email template manager
• Courtroom scheduling, notification, and calendar management
• Document management and storage

11. Caselle Court Management: Providing Solutions for Local Communities

Caselle Court Management is a solution for keeping track of information associated with court proceedings and violations. It is ideal for city administration as it keeps track of speeding tickets, bail, and even fishing and game licenses. For every type of offense, Caselle Court Management identifies the individual fees and automatically sets up individual pay schedules. The city administrator can also customize the system on how bail money will be handled. It is also equipped with several online contract management software features.

Key Features

• Tracks warrants, trusts, alternate orders, and other proceedings and violation tickets
• Easy contract payment setup across multiple cases
• Comprehensive court calendar entry and reporting features
• Interfaces with cash receipting, document management, and general ledger

12. COURT by Cardinal Tracking: For Court Records Management

COURT by Cardinal Tracking is a software solution for the collection and application of payments to citations that can be accessed 24/7. It can be used as a standalone system or can be integrated with eCitation, MobileCite, or Badge RMS system to facilitate automatic data transfer from the field officer to the desk of the court clerk. These tools enable the automatic tracking and management of violations and their corresponding fines, fee calculations, warrants, and bonds.

Key Features

• Searches data fields by name, ticket number, or docket number
• Complete citation, docket, and warrant information
• Automated fine and fee calculation from user-defined tables
• Violation codes
• Partial payments and adjustments
• Court and appearance date scheduling
• User-defined templates for warrants, complainants, letters, and reports
• Automated batch warrant generation
• Bond tracking
• Notepad tool allows narratives to be attached to any record

13. Syscon Court Clerk: Court Records and Docket Management System

Syscon Court Clerk is a court management software that provides a management system for court records and dockets with the aim of streamlining court operations and automating case filings. This platform is a product of consultations with judges, court administrators, and court clerks, and provides a complete case and docket management. Syscon Court Clerk includes tools for indexing, scanning, searching, and viewing any document associated with a case. It also offers a family of solutions catering to different regulatory and functional requirements.

Key Features

• Configurable and multi-user
• Case administration and tracking
• Case status display
• Docket maintenance and printing
• Fee bill and payment records
• Bank maintenance and reconciliation functions
• Maintenance of docket entries, fees, judges, officers, attorneys
• Document scanning
• Redaction of personal information
• Conversion of data from the existing court system

14. eForce Municipal Court Software: The Platform For Tracking Citations

eForce Municipal Court Software is a platform that can import and create citations directly within the court software, and also track fines, fees, and restitution. From the eForce Records Management module, you can import citations and track the status and dates of events in real-time. eForce Municipal Court Software also lets you create internal and external dockets, add or edit court conditions, and add custom fields that reflect your unique workflow. It also automatically checks entry errors whenever you create, submit, or alter any citation or case information.

Key Features

• Eliminate duplicate data entry
• Seamless data transfer from eFORCE RMS
• Built-in report generator
• eForce Command
• Schedule alerts
• Securely manage your court records from any location
• Can be installed locally or hosted as a SaaS solution

15. Verdict by Cott Systems: For Comprehensive Case Management

Verdict is a court management platform that provides comprehensive case management by streamlining processes from disposition to final judgment. Designed to manage all court filings, Verdict is built on recommended case filing standards and utilizes the latest open technology. The eFiling technology allows processes to be transparent and speeds up the processing of documents compared to traditional over-the-counter transactions.

Key Features

• eFiling technology built on recommended case filing standards
• Easily retrieves data and images associated with cases
• Web search with account management functions
• Confidential information can be restricted from public view
• Can be deployed locally with secure eBackup or hosted on the Cott Cloud
• 24/7 anytime, anywhere access
• Multiple levels of data protection
• Quick deployment

16. Synergy Case Management System: For Electronic Filing and Tracking

Synergy Case Management System is a software for court management that handles cases from initiation to post-disposition. It integrates all courts and speeds up case disposition, which improves adjudication while providing a more accessible public service. For the judiciary, Synergy eCase operates at all court levels and allows citizens to access the courts to appeal an existing decision, or to electronically file a public first instance court case.

Key Features

• Electronically file and track cases
• Virtual sessions conducted in a single environment
• Online payment of court fees
• Secure data storage
• Track case status via email or push notifications
• eSummoning feature electronically summons parties
• eCase is equipped with a built-in Virtual Courts module
• Online case collaboration
• Calendar and task management
• Advanced analytical reporting

17. UniCourt: Portal for Accessing Court Records and Legal Data

UniCourt is a court management software that provides a portal for case research and case tracking. It has a Legal Data API core infrastructure that automatically tracks cases and issues alerts on new docket updates. UniCourt provides real-time access to state and federal (PACER) court data and connects your applications to billions of data points. The APIs of UniCourt automate data entry for your workflow processes and docket management. Its data infrastructure is managed efficiently to compare with the best library management software solutions. Pricing for UniCourt starts at $49 per month for personal use.

Key Features

• Legal data API
• Update cases and download court documents on-demand
• Automate your research to find cases, briefs, motions, and pleadings
• CrowdSourced Library
• Intelligent tracking to update docket reports
• Automated court searches

18. Noble Justice Case Management: Provides End-to-End Court Administration

Noble Justice Case Management is a court software solution that provides end-to-end court administration, from eFiling to probation management. By automating court workflows, Noble Justice Case Management provides a full digital court experience in managing tasks and communications, which provides seamless case management to court officials. Built on the Salesforce platform, it has the ability to generate both present and historical cases, and send paper and digital forms and letters.

Key Features

• Calculate fees, and fines, and distribute payments automatically
• Customizable search and view of all dockets
• Customizable real-time reporting and live dashboards
• Automatically generate and assign tasks based on court proceedings
• Assign access based on role and security clearance
• Built-in chat to safely communicate and share case information
• Track all user and case history

19. ICON Case Management Software: The Integrated Court Management Software

ICON Case Management Software is an integrated court management application that facilitates case docketing, reporting, and document management on one platform. It uses a variety of pre-defined and user-defined criteria for searching cases. The financials feature can receive payments, reconcile accounts, pay bills, print checks, and detailed financial statements and audit reports. With ICON, you can assign a workflow and schedule case events, and set alerts and triggers for cases. The eSign technology helps create a paperless environment while  role-based security ensures that data and other documents are secure.

Key Features

• Customizable notices and court calendars
• eNotification to email and text parties case-related information
• Standardizes the case initiation process
• Customized public search options
• Dashboard Technology for CMS360 users and judges
• Tabbed browsing allows users to open multiple tasks
• Custom report and query building
• Wizards to streamline common business processes
• Process online payments and electronic filings
• Alerts, tasks, and reminders for each user or group

20. CourtFileNow: The Comprehensive Web-Based eFiling System

CourtFileNow is a court management software solution that provides a comprehensive web-based eFiling system for courts, clerks, and attorneys. It enables legal teams to electronically file cases and documents, generate electronic service and communications, and manage firm and fee information. By streamlining the workflow and control of the justice system, CourtFileNow helps save tax dollars and automatically routes electronic files to all authorized users. Efficiency is improved by providing courts with instant access to all cases.

Key Features

• Easily access and view filing
• Court calendars
• Search cases from a single database
• Capture documents
• Electronic filing
• eService for all court orders
• Custom folders
• Custom reminders
• Send case communications

How can you address security and compliance concerns with court management software?

When implementing court management solutions, rigorous safeguards must be established to protect sensitive case data and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. Evaluate end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access controls to safeguard information from unauthorized access. Regular vulnerability assessments and audits provide insights into emerging threats and maintain adherence to state and federal data protection mandates. Consider integration with systems that excel in secure transaction processing, such as restaurant POS, to build a cohesive, secure operational ecosystem.

Achieve Highly Efficient Operations By Using Court Management Software

The use of court management software played a significant role in the legal sector as courts and legal professionals looked for ways to adapt to the new work environment post-lockdowns. At the same time, it increased access to the justice system and enabled courts to conduct proceedings through virtual platforms which fast-tracked dispositions.

While it took some time for courts to completely adopt technology, circumstances forced them to deploy platforms, from which they are now reaping the benefits. Having a single court management system database enabled large networks to streamline processes. The quick access to case information facilitated efficient proceedings. But this is only the beginning, as technology will continue to transform the justice system until such time that congestion and backlogs would be a thing of the past.

Key Insights

• Increased Efficiency: The use of court management software automates and streamlines court processes, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency and timeliness of case management.
• Digital Transformation: The pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of the judicial system, with 93% of judges and court professionals participating in remote hearings in 2020.
• Backlog Reduction: Effective case management software has helped reduce court case backlogs, with 98% of felony cases processed within 365 days in 2022, up from 85% in 2019.
• Remote Access: Court management software provides secure, remote access to case files and legal documents, enhancing the flexibility and accessibility of the judicial process.
• Hybrid Hearings: A majority of legal professionals plan to continue hybrid hearings, combining virtual and in-person proceedings, to maintain the efficiencies gained during the pandemic.
• Comprehensive Features: Modern court management software includes features such as eFiling, document management, scheduling, and integrated financial systems, which streamline the entire court process from case initiation to disposition.

FAQ

1. What is court management software? Court management software is a digital tool that automates and streamlines various court processes, including case management, document handling, scheduling, and communication. It helps courts manage cases more efficiently and improve the overall judicial process.
2. How has the pandemic affected the adoption of court management software? The pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of court management software as courts needed to continue operations remotely. This led to a rapid digital transformation, with a large percentage of court professionals participating in remote hearings and utilizing digital tools to manage cases.
3. What are the main benefits of using court management software? The main benefits include increased efficiency in case handling, reduced backlogs, enhanced accessibility to case information, improved accuracy and security of legal documents, and the ability to conduct hybrid or fully virtual hearings.
4. How does court management software help reduce case backlogs? By automating repetitive tasks, providing real-time access to case data, and streamlining the workflow, court management software helps courts process cases faster and more accurately, thereby reducing the backlog of pending cases.
5. What features should I look for in court management software? Key features to look for include eFiling, document management, scheduling and calendaring, financial management, reporting and analytics, integration capabilities with other systems, and secure access controls.
6. Can court management software be customized for different types of courts? Yes, many court management software solutions are highly customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different types of courts, whether they are small municipal courts or large state or federal courts.
7. What impact has digital transformation had on court efficiency? Digital transformation has greatly improved court efficiency by enabling faster case processing, reducing paperwork, enhancing communication between court officials, and allowing for remote and hybrid hearings. This has led to quicker dispositions and improved access to justice.
8. Will the use of court management software continue to grow post-pandemic? Yes, the use of court management software is expected to continue growing as courts and legal professionals have seen the benefits of digital tools in improving efficiency and accessibility. Many plan to maintain hybrid court operations to sustain these improvements.
9. How does court management software ensure the security of legal documents? Court management software ensures the security of legal documents through features like secure access controls, encryption, role-based permissions, and regular security updates. This helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
10. What are some examples of court management software? Examples of court management software include Odyssey Case Manager, Benchmark, Incode Court Municipal Justice, C-Track, eCourt by Journal Technologies, Fullcourt Enterprise, and DuProcess Court Case Management. These systems offer a range of features to support efficient court operations.

References:

• National Center for State Courts (2020), Timely Justice in Criminal Cases: What the Data Tells Us, https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/53218/Timely-Justice-in-Criminal-Cases-What-the-Data-Tells-Us.pdf
• National Center for State Courts (2022), Pandemic Caseloads, https://www.courtstatistics.org/interactive-data-displays-nav-cards-first-row/pandemic-data
• Thomson Reuters Institute (2021), The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on State and Local Courts Study 2021, https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/content/dam/ewp-m/documents/legal/en/pdf/white-papers/covid-court-report_final.pdf
• Thomson Reuters Institute (2022), The Cost of Delayed Justice, https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/insights/reports/the-cost-of-delayed-justice-report/form