Courts, Public Defenders, Legal Aid Programs Feeling Budget Squeeze As Financial Resources Go Down While Demand For Services Skyrocket

CBS News reports on the state budget problems that are squeezing court systems, public defenders offices, and legal aid programs around the country.

• [P]ublic defenders and legal aid programs are facing their deepest budget cuts in years just as the recession creates more demand for their services. "The courts may be facing a 'perfect storm' of funding shortfalls," according to a report from the National Center for State Courts. All but a handful of states are dealing with budget deficits, and court systems across the nation are on the chopping block [...].

Because of the priority courts give to criminal cases, civil cases (ie. foreclosures, evictions, etc.) are expected to begin jamming up court systems nationwide, if they aren't already doing so.

For the story, see Poor Economy Hits Courts, Hurts Programs For Poor (Public Defenders, Legal Aid Programs Imperiled As Economic Meltdown Hits Courts).