Why do the courts remain so inefficient?

I have respect for our judges and the hard work they perform daily, but I am concerned about the way courtrooms are utilized and the way in which cases for persons charged are handled.

Recently, Benton County added a new circuit court judge and the county spent more than $3 million of taxpayer funds to provide and outfit a courtroom for the new judge. Is it necessary to have each judge with his or her own courtroom? I am reminded of medical doctors who have surgical privileges at our local hospitals. It would be an absurdity for a doctor to insist they should have a surgical suite dedicated for their exclusive use, as it would likely sit empty a significant portion of the time. Good money management would not allow for such an outcome. Can you imagine such a request by any doctor? Why can’t this same fiscal conservatism be followed by our Benton County judges and thus eliminate the need for single-judge courtrooms? This approach seems like it would better serve the taxpayers.

When it comes to our criminal courts, why are a multitude of persons (often over 100 people) ordered by the judges to appear in court at the same exact time (usually 8 a.m.)? And why do the persons charged have to come to court if the agreement is that the case is going to be continued for 30 days or more? This is really a problem for many persons charged wrth crimes who must take off work repeatedly. Why can’t judges schedule appearances at staggered times throughout the day as any other professional service providers would do? Imagine if I told all my investment advisory clients to show up at 8 a.m. and wait all day. I would soon be as penniless as many pretrial detainees in Benton County who cannot afford good counsel or bail! The public would not tolerate showing up for an 8 a.m. “appointment” and being told to “get in line (with 100 other people) and your name will be called.” Why do criminal court judges of Benton County conduct court in that fashion? It is highly disrespectful to the persons appearing in court and their families. Besides, it’s economically inefficient! Come on.

Judges, get on the bandwagon. This is Walmart Country, a global region of economic efficiency!

I hope our judges will make scheduling changes that demonstrate efficiency and respect, not just to the judges and attorneys, but to those charged with offenses and the taxpayers as well. It just seems like this would reduce failing to appear for court.

DANIEL R. KESSLER

Rogers