This Spring I heard our esteemed Section Treasurer, Magistrate Diane M. Kirigin, of Palm Beach County, give a speech regarding the State Court budget crisis.  Because the financial status of our court system is important (or should be) to all of us, I thought it would be beneficial for us to understand what the crisis is all about and how it impacts our practices and asked Magistrate Kirigin to put her comments in writing.

 

While a bit longer than our usual features, the topic's importance warrants the depth and detail given it.  In her article, Florida's State Courts' Financial Crisis May Soon Have Us All Saying . . . "BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?" ,  Magistrate Kirigin provides her personal perspective on the crisis, its impact on Family Court, how we may minimize, its impact on our practices, and some suggested solutions. 

This year's budget cuts are already starting to be felt across the State and how the Circuits and respective entities choose to handle these issues is not without controversy.  This was evidenced by the most recent Florida Bar News' article and commentary regarding the 11th Circuit's Public Defender's refusal to accept new felony appointments to represent indigent defendants.  You can expect similar articles and greater debate as the economic downturn continues and Court funding remains tight. 

 

I urge you all to read Magistrate Kirigin's article, and while the opinions expressed are hers, consider your own, and do what you can to assist in alleviating what is a very complicated situation.

Robin J Scher,

FAMSEG, Editor