Chief justice to Legislature: Mental commitment proceedings up 151%, funding static

Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Burdick is giving the annual State of the Judiciary address to both houses of the Legislature today; he spoke first to the House, then to the Senate, shown here. Among his points: Idaho’s judges have seen a 30 percent increase in district court civil cases, including complex civil, medical and business disputes “that often take years to resolve.” Divorce and child custody cases are up 10 percent. And, he said, “With the decline in availability of mental health treatment, we have seen an astounding 151% increase in mental health commitment proceedings. These trends - likely the direct result of the economic decline - are a reflection of the heightened stress levels that Idahoans, businesses and families are experiencing in this economy.”

Said Burdick, “The challenge then is how to meet this upward trend with static resources.” He noted that Idaho’s trial judges haven’t had a pay increase since July of 2008; the state now ranks 47th in the nation for its judges’ pay. Since July of 2000, openings for district judges have attracted a full slate of qualified candidates only 26 percent of the time.

“The state of the Judiciary is straining under increased caseloads, expanded duties, scarce resources, and stagnant compensation,” he said. “We must begin a conversation with the Legislature, the governor, and county clerks and commissioners about how best to address the pent-up demand for judges, court facilities, and new resources needed to conduct safe, timely hearings on the vital issues facing everyday Idaho citizens.”

House Speaker Lawerence Denney told Burdick, “You’ve done more with less, and we really do appreciate that, and we are committed to looking into ways to enhance the judiciary as well.” Lt. Gov. Brad Little, president of the Senate, told the chief justice, “We welcome your presence here. We value you as a partner in that third but equal branch of government.”