But first.....

A report says Broward County has a dramatic need for more judges. I won't argue with that. But first two judges here and here need to be dismissed. They are disgraces to both the bench and the entire legal system. Our judicial system needs to uphold a high degree of integrity, something these two knuckleheads don't posess. Till they are removed, there is no reason for the public to respect the Broward County courts.

Open Post- Bright & Early, Right Wing Nation, Choose Life, Common Folk,

TALLAHASSEE · Broward County has a more dramatic need for new judges than any other area of the state, according to a report released Thursday by the Florida Supreme Court.

Asking state legislators to ease the growing case burden on the courts, the justices want the Legislature to approve 66 new judges throughout the state next year. That includes three new circuit judges and five county court judges in Broward, more than any other county.

In its annual request for new judges, the court cited increased demands on the judicial system, especially in the divisions that serve children and families.

"The availability of judges to hear and decide cases in the county, circuit and district courts is essential to fulfilling the guarantee of timely and meaningful access to justice for the people of Florida," wrote Chief Justice Barbara Pariente.

The constitution requires the high court to tell the Legislature how many new judges are needed before each legislative session. The 2006 session will begin March 7.

After two years of refusing to finance new judges, the Legislature this year approved 55 new slots. Broward was given three circuit judges although it had requested six and two county court judges, four fewer than what it had sought.

"I think the Supreme Court has aptly determined there is a critical need in Broward," said Broward County Chief Judge Dale Ross in reaction to the report. "Our population is exploding and the nature of our cases is changing as well, becoming more time intensive."

While an increasing number of cases require the services of an interpreter, Ross said the county, like the state as a whole, has seen a disproportionate increase in cases involving divorce, domestic violence and dependency.

State Rep. Jack Seiler, vice chairman of the House budget committee that oversees the judiciary, agreed that the state never has adequately financed judges in Broward.

"There is a lack of desire to fully fund the courts across the board," said Seiler, D-Wilton Manors. "All we're doing is slowing justice."

Russell Schweiss, press secretary to Gov. Jeb Bush, said the governor was "still formulating his recommended budget, but he supports more judges."

If the new judges are approved, Ross said the county would likely have to make room for them in the north and south satellite courthouses and it could fuel a push to build a new, downtown Fort Lauderdale courthouse.

The growth in family court cases began in the early 1990s, with the most dramatic increase coming in domestic violence cases.

Since 1991, there has been a 57 percent statewide increase in domestic violence cases and a 186 percent increase in repeat violence filings.