About OCCF

ACCESS TO THE COURTS IS VITAL. Oregon’s courts have experienced significant budget cuts. While efficiencies have been found over the last decade, inadequate funding has reduced court access by forcing closure days and reducing key services. It’s important to all Oregonians to maintain adequate funding for the judicial branch. Oregonians are entitled to their day in court.

• Economic Climate. The civil justice system resolves disputes between businesses and individuals. Prompt resolution of business disputes is crucial to maintain a healthy business climate. Businesses need answers, not uncertainty. Many small businesses – particularly in real estate, finance, and landlord-tenant matters – rely on the courts every day. Unlike criminal cases, which must be resolved within certain time frames, the Constitution gives civil cases a lower priority. Yet even small delays can cost businesses money and impede Oregon’s economic recovery.
• Vulnerable Oregonians. People in crisis turn to the courts for basic protection and often need immediate court services. These at-risk persons need access to domestic violence restraining orders, child abuse and neglect protection, guardianships and conservatorships to be put in place, and more.

ADEQUATE COURT FUNDING IS CRITICAL. Most businesses and public agencies can adjust their workloads based on their resources. The court’s workload, however, is determined by the cases that come through the courthouse doors. The only flexibility afforded a court with inadequate resources is in determining which cases to delay.

To the people involved – neighbors in a dispute, defendants awaiting hearings, families seeking safety, businesses pursuing claims – no case is inconsequential.

Budget cuts over the last decade created delays and backlogs in processing cases. Any additional cuts will not only jeopardize the economic and business climate and weaken our communities, but may put constitutional rights at risk.

Oregon’s courts have become leaner over the last decade, changing the way they do business to meet ever-evolving needs. Those running the courts intend to continue this process with investments in technology to save money and provide better service, but they need adequate operating funds.

FUNDING EQUALS ACCESS TO JUSTICE. 

• Justice delayed is justice denied.
• Courts exist to provide everyone with their day in court.
• Funding cuts threaten the rights of all individuals.
• Adequate court funding results in the right to access to the courts and to justice.
• Access to the courts means improved quality of life, public safety, economic stability, and protection of vulnerable persons.

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Information on the Court Budget

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Outreach to Legislators on Court Funding

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Contact Information for the Oregon Legislature
Joint Ways and Means Committee and
Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee

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