Idaho judges are pleading with the state Legislature for additional resources in their districts due to a backlog of cases, large caseloads, few applicants and increased population growth.
Steven Hippler, the administrative district judge for the 4th District Court, asked the Judiciary Committee for one additional district judge in Elmore County accompanied by a court reporter and two magistrate judges for Ada County.
The Idaho Press reports, Hippler cited the strain judges and administrative clerks are under with the extreme backlog of cases that are overpowering the courts, leaving judges with large caseloads.
Hippler elaborated that his district tried 11 felony cases in one week, trying to clear the backlog of individuals sitting in custody while waiting for a trial.
In addition, judicial districts are also facing a shortage of applications, making it hard to fill the spots they require.
