Litigation

MN Top Judge Warns Against More Budget Cuts

By Peter Hardin

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdwmELjAtr8

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea says the public ought to be outraged over the way state courts are hurt by budget cuts.

She pointed in an interview to three recent cases where requirements for speedy trials were not met because the judicial system failed to meet a fundamental obligation, according to an article in hometownsource.com, and felony convictions for violent crimes were reversed on appeal.

“If people are outraged by the fact that three felons have been released, they should be outraged,” Justice Gildea said.

?It?s  not like these defendants are going to back and have a trial again ? they?re free,? she added. The chief justice is trying to prevent state lawmakers from enacting further cuts.

Discussing shortfalls in funding for the courts, Justice Gildea said they are understaffed by about 270 people and there is a need, suggested by projections, for about 20 more judges. Hiring and pay freezes are in effect.

As state courts across the nation struggle to adjust to funding shortfalls, Gavel Grab periodically is highlighting impacts for different states, and their responses. To learn more about the court funding crisis, check out these earlier Gavel Grab posts.

Hometownsource.com is the regional portal for newspaper sites of ECM Publishers, Inc.

Full post as published by The Gavel on March 15, 2011 (boomark / email).