Thursday, Mar. 15, 2012

The Massachusetts Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association will host Court Advocacy Day at the Statehouse on Monday, March 19 at 11 a.m. to underscore the importance of the Massachusetts Trial Court receiving its requested funding for fiscal year 2013. Click here to R.S.V.P.

The Trial Court has asked for $593.9 million to ensure quality justice for the citizens of the commonwealth. This level of funding is necessary for the court to continue to provide basic services to the public. Without it, justice is in jeopardy.

Following a brief speaking program at 11 a.m. at the Grand Staircase inside the Statehouse, event attendees will be encouraged to meet with their local legislators to emphasize the need for $593.9 million in funding.

In addition to MBA President Richard P. Campbell, featured speakers will include Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland; Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan; and BBA President Lisa C. Goodheart.

"Full funding of the Massachusetts courts is absolutely crucial to preserving the rule of law in Massachusetts," Campbell said. "The legal community's participation in Court Advocacy Day will help send an important message to the Legislature: adequate funding of the courts ensures the level of service the public needs. Adequate funding also calls to the forefront, the public's constitutional right to a properly functioning court."

Gov. Deval L. Patrick released his FY 13 state budget proposal in late January. Recognizing the tremendous cuts already endured by the court system, Patrick recommends level funding for the courts. The March 19 Court Advocacy Day will take place in advance of the House and Senate budget debates slated for April and May, respectively.

Court Advocacy Day complements the Massachusetts Bar Association's comprehensive public awareness campaign on the underfunded courts. In addition to a statewide billboard campaign on this topic, the MBA has posted videos on YouTube and conducted outreach to members of the legal community and other key community leaders and groups. All stress the importance of adequately funding the state's third branch of government.

For more information on the March 19 event or on the MBA's overall campaign on underfunded courts, visit www.massbar.org.