Calif high court upholds dismissal of 18 cases in Riverside County because of judges shortage

[n2doc]

October 25, 2010 | 12:04 pm
California's budget crisis has proved a boon for some defendants.

In a unanimous ruling, the California Supreme Court on Monday upheld the dismissal of 18 criminal cases, two of them felonies, in Riverside County because there were not enough judges to hear them.

The court blamed the problem on the state's failure to hire more judges.

Chief Justice Ronald M. George, writing for the court, said Riverside County's "congested criminal caseload represented a chronic" problem.

"The lack of available courtrooms and judges was attributable to the Legislature's failure to provide a number of judges and courtrooms sufficient to meet the rapidly growing population in Riverside County," wrote George, who has been lobbying legislators for years for more judges.
more

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/10/california-supreme-court-upholds-dismissal-18-criminal-cases-in-riverside-county-judges-shortage.html

[lunatica]

1. They're dismissing criminal cases

That's really bad news! Criminals are being let loose on the community. Jesus Christ!

[cleanhippie]

2. one would think that prosecutors would prioritize the case load...

and reduce to a fine, the lesser crimes and instead focus on the biggest threats.

[bemildred]

3. One more reason to vote Yes on 19. nt