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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Allison McNair is on assignment. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Preshow #1 Return to index of stories... |
In this edition, Budget cutbacks in the state courts. We'll look at what the cuts mean if you're dealing with the law. |
| Preshow #2 Return to index of stories... |
And later, we'll take you to New Hampshire's oldest craft fair in Sunapee. |
| Intro Bishop Robinson Return to index of stories... |
But first, leaders of the Episcopal Church in Minneapolis have delayed a vote on whether to confirm the church's first openly gay bishop. A church spokesman says allegations emerged against New Hampshire reverend Gene Robinson just hours before the vote. Those allegations involve "inappropriate sexual advances" and "involvement in a website for gay youth with links to pornography." |
| Bishop Robinson Return to index of stories... |
According to a statement issued at the convention, "The Standing Committee and Bishop of New Hampshire, together with the Bishop-Elect, Canon Robinson, have asked that a thorough investigation be undertaken before we proceed with seeking the consent of the Bishops with jurisdiction. The investigation will be overseen by the Bishop of Western Massachusetts." |
| Tag Bishop Return to index of stories... |
We'll take an in-depth look at the Gene Robinson controversy Tuesday here on NH Outlook. The convention, by the way, runs through Thursday. |
| Intro Court Cuts Return to index of stories... |
Turning now to New Hampshire's court system. Friday, the courts announced it was laying off some employees and freezing some open positions. What effect, if any, will budget cutbacks have on the administration of justice? With trials delayed and jurors facing longer terms of service, how will the public be affected? We'll discuss the issues involved in a few minutes, but first, this update. |
| Court Cuts Return to index of stories... |
woman goes through court security "You're all set." Track: At courts around the state, the daily routine seems unchanged. But behind the scenes, court officials are warning that the judicial branch's budget has forced the first layoffs in decades. The effect, they say, will be to delay services to the public, and force hard choices. ARE THESE STARTING TO STACK UP ON YOU? We do triage, is what it comes down to. Obviously we give the highest priority to criminal prosecutions, not only for the safety of the citizens of NH, but for the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to the individuals who are charged with crimes. And we take it from there. We have to allocate the resources we have to the most important cases we have to deal with, and the ones with less urgency are unfortunately falling by the wayside. Track: The problem now looks as though it is going to get worse. On Friday, 28 more employees in the Supreme, Superior and probate courts were laid off after legislators refused to increase the court's budget. Graphic: Since July 3, 43 employees have been laid off. The court has also eliminated a continuing education program for judges and staff, and closed the judicial education office. 70 of the 306 Supreme, Superior and Probate court positions are now vacant. We gave them enough money to operate the court. In fact, they got more money this biennium than last biennium - so it's just what they want to do or don't want to do with the amount of money they have, that's their decision. But don't place that on the legislature or the governor. Track: The judicial branch budget is $57.5 million, an increase of $1.7 million over last year's budget. But court administrators say that increase does not cover required expenditures including computer modernization, increased maintenance costs, and higher employee benefit costs. In Manchester district court, the waiting period for small claim cases is now running between 12-14 months. Track: During this year's budget hearings, court officials made their case. Legislators responded with instructions on where any cuts would come. WHY DID THE LEGISLATURE FEEL IT WAS NECESSARY TO GO TO THAT EXTENT OF MANAGING HOW THE COURTS ARE RUN? Well, if you go over the history of the reductions over the years that the courts have made, the district courts, which are the courts at the local level, have taken a disproportionate amount of the cuts and we felt it was time to protect that level of the court system and let the courts figure out how to make their reductions at the supreme, superior and probate court level. We felt that was appropriate and we wanted to make sure the district courts were not cut any further. Track: The biggest cuts come at the Superior courts which deal with all criminal and civil jury trials as well as divorce and custody cases. One of the effects of a tight budget on the superior court is that there will be no jury trials in July, August, September or December. This will allow the court to save money on the jury selection process, but it will also mean jurors will serve for a longer period of time, and it will also mean many trials will be delayed. Normally we realize that we are sort of jumping into the middle of their lives and requiring their service - we try to keep it to a four week period. Now we're looking at 6 week periods and perhaps 7 week periods for jury duty which is a substantial burden for someone who is not being paid much to do it. Track: It seems clear that the troubled relations between the legislature and the courts have played a role in this fight - as evidenced by this plea during the budget hearings. Please, please, when you are underfunding the court, understand you are not hurting the judges. We all know there is tension between the two branches. You're not hurting the judges, you're hurting your constituents and it hurts them very badly. * - close file drawer - reveal "Superior Court" sign. Track: What isn't clear is just how much effect these cuts will have on the administration of justice - and whether justice delayed could become justice denied. |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining us to discuss the impact of the court layoffs Court Information Officer Laura Kiernan, House Majority Leader David Hess - a former attorney, and Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams. Thank you all for being here. |
| Intro League Crafts Return to index of stories... |
And finally, the Mount Sunapee resort is hosting the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's Fair in Newbury this week. It has the distinction of being the oldest craft fair in the country. There are over 200 booths where vendors show off their skills at pottery, basket weaving and other traditional crafts. Producer Tim Estiloz attended the fair two summers ago and gives us a closer look at what makes it so unique. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
If you have a comment or idea for our program, Connect with us on-line at nhptv.org. You can also find links to resources used in this broadcast. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - The campaign for healthcare access in the Granite State. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this program. We'll see you next time. Thanks for watching. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Stratford Foundation |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. The campaign for healthcare access in the Granite State. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| key: Religion / Ethics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 8/4/03 22:00 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 1:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, budget cutbacks in the state courts. We'll look at what the cuts mean if you're dealing with the law. And later, we'll take you to New Hampshire's oldest craft fair in Sunapee. But first, leaders of the Episcopal Church in Minneapolis have delayed a vote on whether to confirm the church's first openly gay bishop. A church spokesman says allegations emerged against New Hampshire reverend Gene Robinson just hours before the vote. Those allegations involve "inappropriate sexual advances" and "involvement in a website for gay youth with links to pornography." PRODUCER/REPORTER: Jennifer Ellis NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 8/4/03 22:00 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 17:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, budget cutbacks in the state courts. We'll look at what the cuts mean if you're dealing with the law. And later, we'll take you to New Hampshire's oldest craft fair in Sunapee. Turning now to New Hampshire's court system.Friday, the courts announced it was laying off some employees and freezing some open positions. What effect, if any, will budget cutbacks have on the administration of justice? With trials delayed and jurors facing longer terms of service, how will the public be affected? We'll discuss the issues involved in a few minutes, but first, this update. Joining us instudio to discuss the impact of the court layoffs Court Information Officer Laura Kiernan, House Majority Leader David Hess - a former attorney, and Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Bill McGraw\Clerk, Merrimack Superior Court, Sen. Richard Green\Chair, Senate Finance Cmte, Paula Curley\Clerk, Manchester District Court, Julie Howard\Clerk, Strafford Superior Court, Laura Kiernan\Court Information Officer, Rep. David Hess\House Majority Leader, Jim Reams\Rockingham County Attorney |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 8/4/03 22:00 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 17:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, budget cutbacks in the state courts. We'll look at what the cuts mean if you're dealing with the law. And later, we'll take you to New Hampshire's oldest craft fair in Sunapee. Turning now to New Hampshire's court system.Friday, the courts announced it was laying off some employees and freezing some open positions. What effect, if any, will budget cutbacks have on the administration of justice? With trials delayed and jurors facing longer terms of service, how will the public be affected? We'll discuss the issues involved in a few minutes, but first, this update. Joining us instudio to discuss the impact of the court layoffs Court Information Officer Laura Kiernan, House Majority Leader David Hess - a former attorney, and Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Bill McGraw\Clerk, Merrimack Superior Court, Sen. Richard Green\Chair, Senate Finance Cmte, Paula Curley\Clerk, Manchester District Court, Julie Howard\Clerk, Strafford Superior Court, Laura Kiernan\Court Information Officer, Rep. David Hess\House Majority Leader, Jim Reams\Rockingham County Attorney |
| key: Culture / Arts Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 8/4/03 22:00 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 6:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, budget cutbacks in the state courts. We'll look at what the cuts mean if you're dealing with the law. And later, we'll take you to New Hampshire's oldest craft fair in Sunapee. And finally, the Mount Sunapee resort is hosting the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's Fair in Newbury this week. It has the distinction of being the oldest craft fair in the country. There are over 200 booths where vendors show off their skills at pottery, basket weaving and other traditional crafts. Producer Tim Estiloz attended the fair two summers ago and gives us a closer look at what makes it so unique. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Susie Lowe-Stockwell\Dir, League of NH Craftsmen, Len Chaisson\Woodcarver, Bob Verity\Shaker Broommaker, Emily Allen\Next Generation Craftsperson, Lynn Allen\Leather Craftsperson, Madison Van Cleave\Budding Craftsperson, Jean Dorschu, Pam Worthen\ABC Quilts |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. We want to know what's on your mind. Join our discussion forum and tell us what you're thinking. If you have a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |