| More than three-quarters of state trial courts are located in rural U.S. counties. Generally, courthouses that have no more than four judges are considered to be rural courts. Some rural areas have only visiting judges, who hear cases in the area at regularly scheduled intervals. Rural courts are fundamentally different from urban courts and face unique challenges. This article discusses some of those challenges, including geography, funding, training, technology, and lack of services.
Geography
Geography plays a major role in the problems encountered by rural courts. Rural counties are more sparsely populated than urban counties, and rural populations are often spread out over a large land area.
Funding
Rural courts funded by the state may not be a state budget priority, and state funding of rural courts may be inadequate. County revenue from taxes in largely agricultural areas can vary significantly from year to year, and rural courts that have to rely on county funding may have to cope with varying levels of funding from year to year.
Training
Relatively few training opportunities may be available for supervisors and staffs in rural courts. There may be no accredited schools or programs in the area. Employees often work alone, which gives rise to professional isolation. Also, court employees are very visible in small rural communities may feel added pressure from dealing with friends and neighbors in court matters.
Technology
Rural courts conduct a significant amount of business via telephone and fax. The courts permit witnesses to testify over the telephone so they will not have to travel long distances. Court filings can be faxed to the courthouse. Warrants and fingerprints can be faxed to the police department. Internet access allows the use of email and online legal research and the growing use of "e-filing" with the court.
Insufficient Services
Many rural counties lack the same rehabilitative services that might be expected in urban areas. Mental health and substance abuse services and facilities may be located miles from the courthouse. Group homes for persons with developmental disabilities often do not exist. Some counties do not have jails or juvenile detention facilities. There may be no pro bono legal services available to aid low-income residents of the community. Also, court interpreters may not be readily available in rural courts. Copyright 2010 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. |