Senate Journal: Page 75: Wednesday, January 10, 2001

  study designed by the National Center for State Courts.  As you know from
  your own
  work, some issues require more time than others.  The results of the time
  study will
  show us the average amount of time a judge needs to handle each type of
  case.  The end
  result will tell us the number of judges and magistrates we need to dispose
  of cases in a
  timely manner.  Soon, we'll present the Center's report to you with our
  recommendations.

  JUDICIAL BRANCH OPERATIONS

  We know we must carefully manage the resources you provide.  And we know we
  must exercise fiscal discipline.  But when resources fall critically short
  of the public's
  demand for justice, even the best management will not slow the erosion of
  court
  services.

  Due to the high cost of employee health insurance and other circumstances
  beyond
  our control, we began the fiscal year with a $2.4 million deficit in our
  operating budget.
  Despite our best efforts to manage around the budget shortfall, we found no
  way to
  avoid the unpleasant task of cutting public services.

  During my first month as chief justice, I traveled to every judicial
  district to meet
  with our judges, clerks of court, and juvenile court staff.  They are doing
  their best to
  keep cases moving under the present difficult conditions.  Based upon their
  comments,
  I believe that if these conditions continue, case processing will fall
  behind, and delays
  will start to mount.

  I am proud of all of our people in the Judicial Branch.  And I am impressed
  by their
  boundless capacity for work and their unshakeable commitment to helping
  others.  But
  even the most productive person can only do so much each day.

  Our system of government calls upon all branches of government, in different
  roles,
  to contribute to the administration of justice.  Our role is to decide cases
  according to
  the law, promptly and equally for all people.  We rely on you for the
  resources required
  to carry out this important responsibility.  Though our roles are different,
  our goals are
  the same:  to provide Iowans with an accessible, fair, and efficient court
  system.

  You have a good track record of responding to the Judicial Branch's needs.
  I am
  confident you will work with us in a bipartisan effort to respond to our
  present
  concerns.  It is in the public's best interest to do so.

  According to an ancient proverb:  "A journey of a thousand miles begins with
  one
  step."  Today, I have outlined steps that will move us toward a court system
  that is
  more accessible, more open, and more accountable.  Some of the steps are
  highly
  innovative; others are fundamental; all are important.  It's clear where we
  need to go
  and what we need to do.  But to reach our destination, we need your help.
  Join with us
  on our journey to ensure Iowans their most precious heritage:  the right to
  justice.

  Chief Justice Lavorato was escorted from the House Chamber by
  the committee previously appointed.

© 2001 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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