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California Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye Calls New Judicial Branch Budget Reduction 'Devastating' to Public.
San Francisco, June 15, 2011 -- Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye 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."
