In Support of Funding for the State Justice Institute
Resolution IV: In Support of Funding for the State Justice Institute
WHEREAS, the State Justice Institute (SJI) was created by Congress to improve the quality of justice in the state courts, including the relationship between state and federal courts; and
WHEREAS, SJI was created as a private, non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors composed of six state court judges, one state court administrator, and four members of the public, to ensure its responsiveness to the needs of the state courts; and
WHEREAS, the need for SJI has grown dramatically as a source of support for innovative state court efforts to deal with the expanding caseloads generated by Congress, the federal Executive, as well as such changes in society as the rise of drug abuse, family violence, and youth violence; and
WHEREAS, state courts bear the primary responsibility for adjudication of civil, criminal and family matters hearing more than 95% of all litigation; and
WHEREAS the effectiveness of the state court systems is critical if the federal government is to realize the objectives of controlling crime, curbing violence against women, reducing the cost and delay of civil justice, enforcing child support obligations, and improving the quality of justice in both state and federal courts; and
WHEREAS, SJI has used its very scarce resources in a manner that enables state courts to experiment with new techniques and procedures that will enhance their effectiveness and to share the results of their innovations with state and federal courts nationwide; and
WHEREAS, assisting courts by funding SJI reinforces the principles of Federalism and preserves the integrity of our judicial system;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators urge Congress to provide full funding for SJI from federal appropriations so that it can fulfill the critically important role that SJI plays in preserving and improving our system of justice.
Adopted at the 45th Annual Meeting of the Conference of State Court Administrators in Williamsburg, VA on August 5, 1999.