State of the Judiciary

Rep. Tim Ackert (R-8), Wilton, First Selectman Bill Brennan, Chief Justice Chase Rogers, Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26), New Canaan, First Selectman Jeb Walker, Rep. John Hetherington (R-125), Rep Gail Lavielle (R- 143) and Rep. Dan Carter (R-2) , Rep. John Shaban (R-135), Sen. John McKinney (R-28)

Hartford, CT – It is clear that Connecticut, confronted by one of its largest deficits in state history, has to also consider how all branches of government would be affected, including the Judiciary. The Judiciary branch has already absorbed a $34 million reduction in its current budget.

On Wednesday, Senator Toni Boucher (R-16) listened intently during the joint session of the Senate and House, as New Canaan resident Chief Justice Chase Rogers made her State of the Judiciary Address.

“Now, the budget is before you. Although we are hoping for the best, we also must prepare for the worst, and I will tell you that we are working on contingency plans to address whatever happens going forward,” said Chief Justice Rogers. “I feel it is important to let you know that, if there are ultimately more significant cuts or layoffs, the branch that we know today will look very different in the future.”

Senator Toni Boucher remarked, “I applaud Chief Justice Rogers for her leadership and her compassion for the people of Connecticut and her ability to plan for the future during these difficult economic times.”

Regardless of the resources that are available, Rogers assured the joint session her commitment to three basic principles will remain intact. These principles are: access; the efficient resolution of cases; and fairness.

Chief Justice Rogers in her address said her office is working on:

She shared these shocking statistics, in 2010, an astounding 84% of all family cases and 27% of all civil cases had at least one party who was self represented. The numbers are close to 90 % in housing matters.

“I agree with Chief Justice Rogers that this trend does impact the entire court system. Judges and staff must spend more time going over basic procedures, which ultimately results in delays,” said Senator Boucher. “It is frustrating to all involved, the self represented, the judges, staff, opposing counsel and the other litigant. Ultimately, these delays can result in an economic impact that produces job loss.”

Chief Justice Rogers has been well received for her attention to streamlining and making the Judiciary more open to the public. Senator Boucher believes this will go a long way in maintaining the public’s confidence in the judiciary branch.

On the issue of fairness, Chief Justice Rogers applauded Connecticut’s appointment of judges rather than having them elected. She feels that elections politicize the judicial process as seen during recent elections of judges in other states. This can place undue pressure on judges and may erode the ability to make sound and fair judgments based on rule of law rather than politics.

As Chief Justice Rogers so eloquently stated, “We make difficult decisions every day, and we will continue to do so, because that is the constitutional compact we have with your constituencies – and ours.”