Durham Delivers State of the Judiciary

None by Eric Ray

Urges Lawmakers to Reform Justice Courts

(KCPW News) During her State of the Judiciary Address today, Chief Justice Christine Durham recommended lawmakers work to reform a Justice Court system that many perceive is in the business of generating revenue for counties rather than justice for its citizens. Those recommendations come from the Justice Court Study Committee, and include paying Justice Court Judges through the state and transitioning judges to full time positions.

"In the end I urge you to seize this opportunity to reform a system in need of attention, and to enhance the public's confidence in these courts," said Durham.

This session, legislators will also consider a bill to change the structure of judicial performance evaluations. Durham acknowledged legislative interest in having that process performed by an independent commission, rather than by the Judicial Council. She stressed the process needs to be free of public and political pressure that would put the impartiality of the decision making function of judges at risk, and that any commission should receive the necessary funding.

"Given that the bill as proposed appears to contemplate both of these essentials, the Judicial Council has determined that, although we cannot support it because of our position that it is unnecessary, we do not oppose the approach it advances," said Durham.

In addition to Justice Court reform and judicial accountability, Durham also called for deputy court clerks to receive a pay raise.

The entire State of the Judiciary Address can be heard below:

 

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom and 2008 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW