Chief Justice Urges Reinvestment In California Courts

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS SF/AP) - California's top judge is urging lawmakers to reinvest in the state's court system after years of budget cuts, saying the reductions have limited the public's access to justice.

In remarks prepared for her second annual "State of the Judiciary" address, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on Monday said California has cut more out of its judicial branch than any other state. She said the budget has been cut by more than $1 billion over the last five years.

California spends 1 percent of its general fund on its court system while other states typically spend 2 percent.

She said equal justice in California "cannot be had for a penny on the dollar."

The cuts have resulted in fewer courtrooms, higher fees and delayed construction on a number of buildings.

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