I would like to address the concerns raised in Eric Broad's commentary regarding the operation of the New York state courts ("State courts badly need more money," June 25).
In these challenging times of fiscal constraint, we have gone to great lengths to ensure essential court operations are minimally affected.
We have increased the use of "triage" parts to resolve older cases, and we are working with local court administrators to improve case processing. New York also has long been a leader in the use of specialized courts, from drug treatment to adolescent diversion, designed to reach effective resolutions that prevent recidivism.
We have streamlined the Office of Court Administration by consolidating departments and re-deploying 37 OCA staff members to the trial courts, where the need is greatest, and we have absorbed the loss of an additional 16 people through retirement or resignation.
Our judiciary has long embraced innovation, with our commercial division pioneering advances in e-filing and case management software that have since been expanded across the state.
Under the strong leadership of Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, New York has been widely lauded for improving access to justice, promoting the importance of pro bono work and increasing funding for Civil Legal Services.
While our limited budget has required us to control overtime, we have given local court administrators more discretion to extend hours when necessary. Our courthouse doors are always open until 5 p.m.
The judiciary has a duty to work with the executive and legislative branches in addressing this fiscal crisis. We have worked hard to do that while also fulfilling our core constitutional mission of providing fair and timely justice.
A. GAIL PRUDENTI
Chief administrative judge, New York State Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration, New York City