New York’s struggle to keep its courts functioning despite deep budget cuts is hardly unique among the nation’s court systems, William T. Robinson III, president of the American Bar Association, told New York State Bar Association members gathered at the group’s annual meeting on Jan. 25.
In fact, 42 state court systems suffered significant budget cuts in 2011, according to the National Center for State Courts. Mr. Robinson praised the New York state bar for highlighting problems caused by $170 million in budget cuts in the 2011-12 court budget. He called the bar’s report last week on widespread court delays, shortages of experienced personnel and other problems “beyond compelling.”
