In 2019, Manhattan Municipal Court embarked on a transformative journey, forging a path toward modernization and effective public service. Spearheaded by the leadership of court administrator Jennifer Holmes, the court laid the foundation for a future where justice and technology work together. The transition aimed to improve how technology aids the court and the public, making Manhattan Municipal Court more modern, efficient, and accessible.
This commitment to innovation won the court the 2024 Tyler Excellence Award for using technology to enhance justice delivery.
Prior to its digital transformation, Manhattan Municipal Court wrestled with aging infrastructure and an outdated “green screen” application that hindered efficiency and communication — critical components of effective judicial administration. “We had an antiquated system,” Holmes said. “We didn’t have a lot of reporting abilities.”
Reporting capabilities have received a significant boost, enabling the court to generate essential state reporting and statistical compliance with newfound ease. Most notably, the court saw a 44% increase in compliance rates, a testament to the impact of the court’s strategic approach to modernization.