JUSTICE AND THE SILENT MAJORITY

Without money for court systems, the courts struggle to have the time to listen to the frightened.

Most people are frightened of speaking in public. In a courtroom, they can barely state their name for the record.

In order to bring justice to the usually silent, courts need to actively LISTEN.

THIS TAKES MONEY!

Judges need to be able to take the time to encourage people to tell their side of the story.

Interpreters need to be available to translate what people say.

Information about court appearances must be available on the telephone as well as on a website.

Clerks, court reporters, translators, facilitators, all need to be trained and paid a living wage.

As the method for resolving disputes, courts need to be safe places for people. Otherwise people may resolve their own disputes, using bullying and perhaps violence.

The US has few vigilantes, because we believe that the courts will judge and punish those guilty of crimes.

Court systems are an easy target for budget cuts, because the general public does not notice that there is a problem with the courts until they have to go to court to resolve a dispute.

This is like not paying your insurance for your house. If the house burns down, you are really in trouble, but if the house never burns down, gee what money you saved.

Well funded courts are insurance that, if you are treated unjustly, there is a way to achieve justice.

Jerry, please increase the budget for California courts. LET CALIFORNIA BE A SHINING BEACON OF JUSTICE FOR ALL.