Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Maupin addresses the Legislature on Wednesday in Carson City. Photo by The Associated Press
CARSON CITY -- Chief Justice Bill Maupin told legislators Wednesday that cooperation among branches of government must continue as Nevada copes with overcrowded prisons, jammed court dockets, endangered foster children and "malignant" growth of methamphetamine use.
In his State of the Judiciary speech to lawmakers, Maupin said more qualified, experienced judges and updated courthouses are needed, with improved prison facilities and expanded noncustodial programs.
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Maupin said judges should have more discretion in sentencing, and authorities should ensure dangerous inmates remain locked up but should be open to "highly conditioned" releases of other criminals who are not public-safety threats.
The chief justice endorsed Justice Jim Hardesty's proposal to deport hundreds of inmates held in Nevada prisons who were in the country illegally when they committed their crimes. Hardesty has said that action could save the state about $10 million annually.
Maupin urged legislators to make a "considerable" funding commitment to the state's specialty courts, and he said the courts can play a major role in getting meth addicts "out of the revolving door of the criminal justice system."
State and local governments must fund more attorney positions to represent foster children, Maupin said, mentioning recent reports of deaths and injuries of such children.
He added that Nevada law should spell out a right to legal representation for such children.
Lawmakers are considering a $98 million, two-year budget for the state Supreme Court and district and family courts, an increase of 29 percent.
