September 22, 2006

By Judicial Council of California (View author info)

A press release from the California Office of the Judicial Council

Chief Justice Applauds Governor and Legislature for Approving 50 New Judgeships for Trial Courts

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed Senate Bill 56 (Dunn), legislation that will dramatically improve access to justice across the state by creating 50 new judgeships in California trial courts.

Chief Justice Ronald M. George stated: "I applaud the Governor for his leadership in signing this important legislation that will assist our courts in providing fair, timely, and equitable justice to the people of California. I also deeply appreciate the efforts of the leaders in the Senate and the Assembly in reaching a consensus on SB 56.

In many courts, the shortage of judges has caused growing backlogs in both civil and criminal cases, forcing litigants to wait months for decisions in their cases. This legislation is an important step in improving the administration of justice and increasing public trust and confidence in our courts. We look forward to our continued partnership with the legislative and executive branches to meet the need for judicial resources to serve Californians."

William C. Vickrey, Administrative Director of the Courts, state: "This legislation creating the first 50 judgeships requested is an important first step in addressing the severe shortage of judges in California's trial courts."

Senate Bill 56, which received a 67-0 vote in the Assembly and a 38-0 vote in the Senate, will create new judgeships during fiscal year 2006-2007. The judgeships will be allocated according to uniform criteria in the Judicial Council's Judgeship Needs Study, as follows:

Superior Court Allocation of 50 Judgeships
Butte 1
Contra Costa 1
Fresno 4
Kern 2
Los Angeles 2
Madera 2
Merced 2
Monterey 1
Orange 1
Placer 1
Riverside 7
Sacramento 5
San Bernardino 8
San Joaquin 3
Shasta 1
Solano 1
Sonoma 2
Stanislaus 3
Tulare 2
Ventura 1

The ramifications of the judgeship shortage have been far-reaching, including a decrease in the public's access to the courts, compromised public safety, an unstable business climate, and, in some courts, enormous case backlogs that inhibit timely justice.

RELATED LINK: California Bill Imformation