fresno elections 2008

There are a number of reasons for case backlog in the justice system. First, there are simply not enough prosecutors or public defenders to properly do the job. When attorneys are not prepared due to their heavy caseloads, both defendants and the public suffer as cases get continued.

Second, California judges are not properly equipped with laws to force cases to move faster. If an attorney continually gets continuances because he or she is not ready to proceed, the judge has only two choices available. The judge can remove the attorney and appoint new counsel. Unfortunately, the new counsel will need time to prepare. Thus, the case will be continued anyway. The judge may also hold the attorney in contempt. However this procedure is so difficult and cumbersome that is is not very effective.

Provide proper staffing of the court system.
The single greatest factor for court delays is an under staffed system. With more and more cases entering the system every day, a backlog has built up. The State has failed to provide the counties with the additional Judges, Bailiff’s, Clerks, etc., to handle the backlog, yet somehow, the staff gets the job done.

Each and every county is understaffed and has vacant judicial positions. Until these needs are filled, temporary solutions will only act as bandages on the problem. Without the hardwork of the current court personnel, the system would have failed long ago.