This is the time of year when Chief Justices in many states deliver a State of the Judiciary Address. New York Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman delivered an address in New York. It can be found at: http://www.courts.state.ny.us/

Gavel Grab reports that, “In an annual report on the judiciary, Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss urged the legislature to recognize the need for more adequate funding of the state’s courts.

“Adequate court funding is critical to providing these essential services, while inadequate funding undermines not only access to justice, but also the people’s belief in the justice system itself,” Nuss said.

According to the Topeka Capital-Journal, Nuss said the judiciary had been efficient in its budgeting, and that it was helpful in promoting economic growth to Kansas.

He also called for state lawmakers to provide the funding needed to establish 22 new district judge positions. This would be an alternative to a statute requiring “at least one judge be located in each of the state’s 105 counties.”

House Speaker Ray Merrick prevented Nuss from delivering his State of the Judiciary speech in person, stating the time “could be put to better use on other things.” Nuss sent his report in writing instead.