It is nothing short of incomprehensible that state budget constraints could result, as you report, in the JHO program being “scrapped.” Our backlogged system cannot continue to function without Judicial Hearing Officers (the term deserves capitalization). Retired judges, who are “paid” for eight hours what many lawyers charge for 40 minutes of time, are who we rely upon to help turn the rusty gears and wheels of our legal system.
Nearly 20 years ago, when I began my practice in Brooklyn Family Court, judges with clogged dockets were presiding in “courtrooms” fashioned from two tiny offices with a removed dividing wall. JHOs were often referred cases to hear and report on evidentiary issues for the trial judge. The result was a reasoned ruling on salient issues.
