Courts need two critical resources to function efficiently and handle the criminal and civil litigation generated by the public. The first is consistently sufficient funding through the state budgeting process. The second is responsible citizens who are willing to serve in the often-underappreciated role of jurors. May marks the time of year that Pennsylvania celebrates its jurors (especially during the state-recognized Juror Appreciation Week), and also signals the time when the legislature and the governor focus on finalizing a state budget. That these events come so close in time offers an opportunity to reflect on how each is essential to the maintenance of a strong, efficient and effective court system.

Across the country, state court systems are struggling to make ends meet. Tightened state budgets mean reduced or flat court funding, while caseloads increase. Pennsylvania is no exception; as the budget games continue here, what is currently on the table is flat funding for the Unified Judicial System. This proposal comes despite the court system’s request for an increase to meet required salary increases and to allow the court system to stop raiding its technology fund to pay its bills. So far, Pennsylvanians have not experienced the delays, court closures and staff furloughs that have become common in other jurisdictions. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have to worry.

This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.

To view this content, please continue to their sites.

Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Why am I seeing this?

LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.

For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]