The docket disrupted: insights into the impact of COVID-19 on court operations, workloads, workgroup well-being from a national survey of court professionals

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped U.S. court operations, workgroup dynamics, workloads, and case processing. Prior research focuses on single jurisdictions, courts, or roles, and little is known about comparative nationwide cross-role experiences. We surveyed 803 court professionals, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, civil and appellate attorneys, administrators, and external workgroup members, who worked in U.S. courts during the first year of the pandemic. Regional and job-based differences shaped experiences more than jurisdiction or court type. Although procedural adaptations were shaped by highly localized leadership, resources, and guidance, the core experiences were remarkably consistent. Shared themes reflected variation at the procedural level (e.g. different rules, technology use, consent procedures, safety protocols) but similarity at the experiential level (e.g. shared stressors, workload shifts, uncertainty). The pandemic exposed persistent gaps where clear protocols, equitable training, administrative support, and sustainable technology are essential for resilient and adaptable courts.