Frivolous Programs Funded, But Not Courts or Other Essential Government Functions (illegal, attorney)

[jbgusa]

On many issues I am generally center-to-right. I believe that government has grown to large and intrusive. However, I recognize that governments have essential functions that cannot be fulfilled by the private sector. One of those is providing a neutral forum for people to adjudicate their disputes.
Almost on a recurring basis we hear of government "cuts" though the government never seems to decline in size and taxes, when Federal, State and local are added together never seem to drop. Yet certain arms of government, most notably state court systems appear perpetually starved for funds. Court calendars are long. Judges come out late, leaving litigants to the mercy of clerks on "calendar calls." Thus, litigants must arrive at 9:30 a.m. or 9:45 a.m. but the judge or referee doesn't arrive until 10:30 a.m. The lines are frequently out the door, as they were in two "parts" or courtrooms this morning. This creates a travesty of justice. I had to consent to an adjournment to February 7, 2019 to avoid spending the day there, for an adjournment that would inevitably be granted.

On my other matter, both my adversary and I were in agreement on scheduling but we both had to show anyway. Ironically, the court had noticed the hearing date but not placed it in their calendar.

A picture tells a thousand words. The below picture speaks volumes:



Now "Part 72" is described by the Court as follows:

Originally Posted by State Court website

The Ex-Parte Office reviews ex-parte motions, Orders to Show Cause and orders submitted after decisions on motions are made by the Court. We review these as to content, form, and compliance with the relevant statue(s). This office also conducts the unsafe building calendar calls.

The clerks can answer questions that the bar, the general public, and other court personnel may have regarding procedure.

This "reduced staffing" closes the part, which is basically to assist unrepresented litigants, during lunch hour. That means people, who are often in desperate situations, need to take off work to get a simple question answered.

Moneys that are not cut include renaming bridges for recent politicians. The Tappan Zee Bridge name change to the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge comes to mind. I think government needs to examine its mission, and deliver what people need. Another is politically charged nonessential legal assistance to people alleged to be illegal immigrants. Those causes may be laudatory but hardly what is needed by the average citizen. Among the essential needs, however, is access, on reasonable terms, to the judicial system.



More illustrations of neglect and disrepair:

[kmarc]

While I agree with you in principle, the courts are mostly a waste of time except for the lawyers and judges, who are all very collegial.

We do not have a "justice system" in this country. What we have is a protection racket for the banksters, who don't appreciate others cutting in on their action. I had an attorney explain this very carefully to me, and in great detail. Justice does not really exist here, except for the occasional fluke. Sad but true.

Since the average citizen is not served by the justice system, and in fact usually harmed and shaken down by it, don't expect them to support it. It if rots away, so be it.

[jbgusa]

Originally Posted by kmarc

While I agree with you in principle, the courts are mostly a waste of time except for the lawyers and judges, who are all very collegial.

Here nothing or very little happens. Basically the Courts shuffle along, getting little done.

Originally Posted by kmarc

We do not have a "justice system" in this country. What we have is a protection racket for the banksters, who don't appreciate others cutting in on their action. I had an attorney explain this very carefully to me, and in great detail. Justice does not really exist here, except for the occasional fluke. Sad but true.

I am interested in the details. Please explain either here or in DM.

Originally Posted by kmarc

Since the average citizen is not served by the justice system, and in fact usually harmed and shaken down by it, don't expect them to support it. It if rots away, so be it.

Courts are still supposed to be society's method of providing for the civilized resolution of disputes. Mind you I'm talking civil and not criminal courts.

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by jbgusa

Here nothing or very little happens. Basically the Courts shuffle along, getting little done.

I am interested in the details. Please explain either here or in DM.

Courts are still supposed to be society's method of providing for the civilized resolution of disputes. Mind you I'm talking civil and not criminal courts.

I am on my way to turning in for the night, so I will expand further tomorrow. I am talking civil as well. There is what is, and what's supposed to be. We don't have what's supposed to be. However, I am heartened that you, as an officer of the court, are at least interested. My guess is that you are still young and idealistic.

[jbgusa]

Originally Posted by kmarc

I am on my way to turning in for the night, so I will expand further tomorrow. I am talking civil as well. There is what is, and what's supposed to be. We don't have what's supposed to be. However, I am heartened that you, as an officer of the court, are at least interested. My guess is that you are still young and idealistic.

I'm 61 and quite realistic actually. I think the Federal courts function rather well. The state courts, with some shining exceptions, are corrupt, inefficient and peopled by borderline morons. I shouldn't denigrate them; my IQ is 79.