Rhode Island Chief Justice addresses court security and indigent defense challenges

The House Committee on Finance Subcommittee meeting held on April 1, 2025, focused on the critical issues facing the Rhode Island judiciary, particularly regarding access to justice and the challenges of providing adequate legal representation.

Key discussions highlighted the judiciary's constitutional responsibilities, which include ensuring fair trials and access to counsel. In 2024, the Superior Court conducted 91 jury trials and 30 bench trials, while the District Court managed approximately 1,400 civil and criminal bench trials. A significant portion of these cases involved court-appointed counsel funded by the judiciary's indigent defense fund, which stands at $7.7 million and is expected to increase due to a 9.1% rise in indigent defense cases since fiscal year 2018. This increase is largely attributed to a growing demand for representation when public defenders have conflicts.

Despite the rising demand for legal representation, the number of attorneys available for court appointment has decreased by 19.3%. This decline is a major concern for the courts, prompting the Chief Justice to form a committee in November 2023 to review the court appointment process and recommend increasing compensation rates for attorneys. This move aims to ensure a competent roster of counsel for Rhode Island's most vulnerable citizens.

The meeting also addressed the physical access to courthouses, emphasizing the need for safe environments for judges, staff, and the public. The judiciary operates six courthouses, relying on the Capitol Police and the Division of Sheriffs for security. However, a shortage of sworn officers in the Division of Sheriffs has led to delays and postponements of court hearings, with some proceedings occurring without any security present. To mitigate this issue, the judiciary has contracted with the Providence Police Department for additional security, incurring an annual cost of approximately $230,000.

Overall, the discussions underscored the judiciary's commitment to fulfilling its constitutional obligations while addressing the pressing need for improved access to justice and legal representation in Rhode Island. The committee's recommendations and ongoing efforts to enhance security and attorney availability will be crucial in meeting these challenges moving forward.