In 1983, Bearden v. Georgia decided that people shouldn’t be jailed for being unable to pay fines and restitution fees. But decades later, courts still criminalize poverty. Plus interest.
And there’s a ton of money spent on running courtrooms themselves. Costs that take resources away from all of us.
In 2021, the Judiciary spent $6.2 billion on court salaries and general operating expenses. That’s not even including security, staffing increases, and jury fees. Let’s break down one example in New York.
There are at least two cops in the room, plus two prison officers. $200,000 on that. There’s the judge, court reporter, and deputy chief clerk. About six figures each. There are assistants, clerks, and more. We can’t forget the public defenders. And prosecutors, who’ve historically helped skyrocket mass incarceration.
Everybody has to get paid. But do criminal courts really provide justice? And what about mental health courts? Drug courts? Family courts? Does every problem in the world need a courtroom?
When community and survival services shrink, we deserve for courts to at least cut down on excess. And for us to have the power to fight for the reallocation of those resources.
Today, challenge yourself to research court funding in your area. The next step? Imagine how those funds could be used better.