Judge William Johnson Discusses Court Funding Challenges

 Like all public services funded by the legislature, Minnesota’s court system has had reduced resources in past funding sessions and is likely to experience further reductions this biennium. Third District Judge William Johnson illustrated for the audience at the Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters of Northfield and Cannon Falls Area the effects in the Third District of the present funding level. Despite the population growth in the district, it is operating with 23 of 25 assigned judges. Reduction in the number of public defenders means caseloads have been doubled. When state funds ran out, the Rice County Commissioners voted not to pick up the cost of public defenders for parents in child custody cases. Delays in case filing, hearings and dispositions are happening here and throughout Minnesota.

Johnson said he recognizes that the legislature has difficult dilemmas. “How can I tell you we need to fund the courts when schools, nursing homes, cities and other public services are under-funded?” Johnson said he is proud to be part of the Minnesota Court System, and that in spite of the problems, during the past 4 years, the system has an approval rating of 80% from litigants. He outlined several possible cost saving measures, including centralized fine collection, hiring freezes, changes in handling civil remedies. 

Supreme Court Justice Eric Magnussen has said “you need the courts at times of great social unrest. People need to think there’s something they can count on.”  Johnson agrees. “The Judicial system is part of the fabric of society and our system of checks and balances. It the only part which can be approached by an individual. If we don’t fund the courts, we are harming the fabric.” He urged the audience to contact legislators and ask them to fully fund the judiciary and the public defenders.