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Closing the Courthouse Door: The Impact of Courthouse Closures on Access to Justice

Bruce Snyder

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Closing the Courthouse Door: How Your Constitutional Rights Became Unenforceable

by Erwin Chemerinsky

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1151 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

Across the United States, courthouses are closing at an alarming rate. In the past decade, over 1,000 courthouses have closed, and hundreds more are at risk of closure. This trend is having a devastating impact on access to justice, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

The Causes of Courthouse Closures

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the closure of courthouses, including:

Budget cuts: State and local governments have been facing budget shortfalls for years, and courthouses have often been seen as a low priority for funding. As a result, many courthouses have been closed or consolidated in an effort to save money.
Declining caseloads: The number of cases filed in state courts has been declining for years. This is due in part to changes in the law, such as the decriminalization of certain offenses, and the increasing availability of alternative dispute resolution methods.
Technological advances: The use of technology in the courts has made it possible to handle many cases remotely. This has led to a decrease in the need for physical courthouses.

The Impact of Courthouse Closures

The closure of courthouses has a number of negative consequences, including:

Reduced access to justice: Courthouse closures make it more difficult for people to access the courts. This is especially true for rural and underserved communities, which are often far from the nearest courthouse. As a result, many people are unable to get the legal help they need.
Increased costs: Courthouse closures can also lead to increased costs for people who need to access the courts. This is because people may have to travel long distances to get to the nearest courthouse, and they may also have to pay for legal assistance.
Diminished public trust: The closure of courthouses can also diminish public trust in the justice system. When people see that their local courthouse is being closed, they may feel that the government is not committed to providing access to justice.

Solutions to Courthouse Closures

There are a number of solutions to the problem of courthouse closures, including:

Increased funding: State and local governments need to increase funding for courthouses. This will help to ensure that courthouses can remain open and accessible to the public.
Alternative dispute resolution: Courts should encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration. This can help to reduce the number of cases filed in court and free up resources for more serious cases.
Technology: Courts should continue to invest in technology that can help to make the courts more efficient and accessible. This includes the use of video conferencing and online dispute resolution.

The closure of courthouses is a serious problem that is having a devastating impact on access to justice. There are a number of solutions to this problem, but it will require a commitment from state and local governments to ensure that courthouses remain open and accessible to all.

Closing the Courthouse Door: How Your Constitutional Rights Became Unenforceable

by Erwin Chemerinsky

4.2 out of 5