Massachusetts and New Hampshire take over backlog of Rhode Island cases

March 14, 2011

Providence, Rhode Island: Due to a four-year judicial vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, over two dozen civil cases have been reassigned to courts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The two judges on the Rhode Island court, Mary Lisi and William E. Smith, explain that they cannot keep up with the increasing caseload without another judge. Judge Lisi stated, "Our job is to resolve cases and to do so in as timely and efficient a manner as we can. And when our ability to do so is hampered, I don't think that's good for any participants in the process." The vacancy has remained open due to partisan politics and disagreements in the U.S. Senate, which is responsible for confirming the President's appointments to federal courts.