Budget Shortfall Threatens Cutbacks at San Franscisco Superior Court
San Francisco Superior Court presiding Judge James McBride recently told local attorneys that "We're burning the hull of the ship to keep the boiler running." This comment was in response to a projected $10.7 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year. The court has frozen hiring, cut off travel and it's reserves are low. Many courts across the state, including San Francisco Superior, have implemented mandatory furlough days which typically close each court room for one day per month. The concern among the local bar is that the budget crisis could result in additional furlough days and the closure of civil departments. That would delay or even preclude justice for every aggreived person or business who is seeking to be made whole by the negligent or intentional misconduct of others.
