Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss outlined the importance of the legal system during his State of the Judiciary address today (WED). Nuss says the court system helps protect Kansans through criminal law, restraining orders and court orders protecting children.
Unlike some recent years, Nuss did not focus on a budget shortfall facing the Kansas court system. Nuss says he decided instead tell lawmakers why the courts matter.
“Instead of my perhaps being perceived as a whiner or a beggar and constantly going to the Legislature saying ‘we need more money, we need more money’ I thought I’ll just change the strategy this year,” says Nuss.
Nuss says court filing fees are lower than expected, leading to a shortfall that could near $3 million. He says unless lawmakers take action, the courts will have to use furloughs to make up the gap.