Justice requires a court
The state's most vulnerable are those most hurt by the cuts
Planned cuts in services in the Los Angeles judicial system undermine access to justice for those who are most vulnerable and have the fewest resources. These are precisely the individuals most in need of the court’s protection.
This is why California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye recently declared that the state is facing a “crisis in civil rights” due to the cuts in funds for the judicial branch.
In Los Angeles, the cost-cutting efforts to save $85 million include closing eight court houses and the alternative dispute center, and eliminating 511 jobs. As well, small claims, eviction, and personal injury cases will be heard in fewer locations.
In a city as enormous as Los Angeles, the budget-driven decision literally separates people from justice.
As an example, a renter in Pico Rivera threatened with eviction will now have to travel all the way to Long Beach within five days or risk of dismissal of the case. The difficulties of such long distances and long lines at the courts are especially hard on the poor, women, children, the elderly, and the disabled.
This dire situation is happening across the entire state. Since 2010, 22 courthouses and 114 courtrooms have been closed. Another 30 courts have slashed their hours and services and more than 2,600 employees have departed through layoffs and attrition.
“Justice requires a court,” lamented Cantil-Sakayuke. Without real access to justice when there is need, the people’s right to their day in court is seriously undermined.
Increasing fees for court services with the idea of becoming self-financing is not the answer because this will disproportionately hurt the state’s must vulnerable.
The integrity of justice in Los Angeles and the entire state is being seriously threatened by budget cuts. While it is true that funds are scarce in other important areas as well, such as education, we cannot allow equal access to justice to be undermined.
