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Alabama circuits not keen on Friday closings
April 19, 2011
Alabama: Last week, Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb authorized the closing of Alabama's trial courts for one day each week, in a measure to cut costs. So far, the presiding judges in the circuits have not been very receptive to the idea.
In Circuit 16, Presiding Judge William A. Millican announced that the courts in Etowah County will remain open five days a week. "It was our opinion that we should remain open to the public, provide the services that we were elected to provide and be available to the people of Etowah County until such time as it is absolutely not possible to do so," he said.[1]
Cuts have been made in other areas in the circuit instead. Two employees will be laid off May 1 and the number jury trials will be reduced.[1]
The situation is similar in the Circuit 7 courts. Presiding judge Malcolm Street decided not to reduce public hours at the courthouse, in order to stay open on Fridays, since many residents use the courts that day. Instead, trial weeks and bailiffs' pay will be reduced. That circuit will also layoff two employees.[2]
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