The withering California economy continues to impact
the state’s court system, as budget cutbacks have slowed the hearing of cases
to a near standstill. One judge has gone so far as to say we are on the
borderline of a constitutional crisis…especially with personal injury and other
civil cases taking up to 5 years to reach trial, close to the mandatory
dismissal date.
Governor
Jerry Brown’s proposed budget for the coming year will continue to make it
challenging for the courts. He has proposed a $105 million increase, which most
judicial analysts say is not nearly enough to unclog the case load. Local
reserve funds used in the past are now dried up. So it appears now that fewer
people are filing, discouraged by delays and longer commutes to fewer
courthouses. If you still feel that you have a legitimate case, however, the
best course of action is always to file. Justice is not always swift, but it
can be meaningful.
