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Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye Calls New Judicial Branch Budget Reduction ‘Devastating’ to Public
June 15, 2011, San Francisco-California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye today issued the following statement in response to a proposed reduction of $150 million in the judicial branch budget for fiscal year 2011-2012, in addition to other budget cuts.
"This budget proposal is devastating and crippling to the judicial branch and to the public it serves. Courts have taken massive reductions over the past few years, and already took $200 million in reductions for next year.
"Courts affect every part of our state's life-including convicting criminals and freeing the innocent; enhancing public safety; enforcing contracts; providing a forum for resolving business disputes; and protecting children, the elderly, consumers, the environment-in short, protecting the people's rights.
"With these cuts courts cannot provide these fundamental services or protect the rights of Californians. By marginalizing the courts, California strikes a blow against justice.
Courts are not a luxury. They are at the heart of our democracy. These cuts threaten access to justice for all."
