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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Ind. Courts - "Lake court system needs stronger chief"
Here is an editorial that appears in today's Gary Post Tribune:
Lake County Commissioner Roosevelt Allen Jr. last week proposed changes in the Lake Superior Court system that bear further scrutiny.The focus of his analysis is the chief judge, who is elected annually by the 16 judges in the system. He or she serves for just one year.
Because the chief judge's term is so short, Allen believes that the person holding the position doesn't have ample time to improve the operation of the court system. He's absolutely right. In fact, the chief judge position has become largely ceremonial.
There is work to be done, mainly because the court system of 16 judges is so splintered. For example, there are four criminal division judges, seven civil division judges, four county division judges and the juvenile division judge.
In addition to the chief judge of the Superior Court system, each of the divisions has its own chief judge. And the divisions pretty much operate autonomously, rather than as a part of the greater court system.
Electing a chief judge for a term of at least three years would give the person the time to make the court system more efficient -- a move that would result in a savings for taxpayers.
The courts pretty much have had their way with county government, always holding the threat of a judicial mandate if they don't get what they request.
As the court system has grown, so has the number of personnel. It has been suggested in some circles that the courts could pool bailiffs and public defenders as a way of saving money.
But if there is no one looking at the efficiency of the system -- and that clearly is the case at present -- nothing is going to be accomplished. The court should make the change and have the chief judge answerable to Indiana Chief Justice.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on December 12, 2007 05:18 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts