« Courts - More on "Kentucky Prosecutor says plea deal punishes philanthropist Robert Clarkson in DUI case" | Main | Ind. Courts - Judicial race in Delaware County »
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Ind. Courts - Lake judge criticizes county policies that are affecting the services of his East Chicago courtroom
Marisa Kwiatkowski of the NWI Times reports today in a story that begins:
EAST CHICAGO | Lake County Superior Court Judge Calvin Hawkins on Monday criticized county policies that are affecting the services of his East Chicago courtroom.The judge spoke Monday afternoon on One Year Later -- the anniversary of his appointment to the struggling East Chicago bench.
Hawkins is the only judge in the East Chicago courthouse, which has suffered from historically low case filings and was targeted for closure. Since Hawkins assumed the bench, filings have doubled and tripled from the number of filings a year ago.
Hawkins reiterated Monday his opposition to the random filing system that the civil courts will begin next year. He argued judges have specific expertise in certain areas and maintained attorneys should have the right to select who will hear their cases.
The bulk of Hawkins' speech focused on inefficiencies, staffing concerns and problems in his courthouse.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on October 7, 2008 08:40 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts