The Justice Drought: 2014 State of the Judiciary in San Diego County

How do we ensure “justice for all” when our courts cannot operate effectively due to budget constraints? In San Diego County, families and businesses are experiencing the effects of the nearly $1.2 billion dollars in cuts to California’s judicial branch between 2007 and 2012. Although the San Diego Superior Court began planning for budget cuts in 2008, the Court was forced to implement large service cuts in 2012 and 2013. Those service cuts, including a significant reduction in staffing and reduced service hours, impact the Court’s ability to address the demands on its system. Without a fully funded court, we are effectively – and at times literally – closing the doors of our local justice system. Restoration and reinvestment in the judicial branch is critical to the ongoing success of our local economy.