The Belknap County meeting held on September 8, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding the increasing caseload in the superior court. The discussion began with an overview of the current docket, revealing that 510 cases have been filed so far this year, projecting a total of approximately 741 cases by year-end. This figure is notable as it marks one of the highest annual totals in the past two decades, with only two other years—2019 and 2023—exceeding 700 cases.

The rise in cases has been attributed to the recent repeal of the "felonies first" policy, which has led to a backlog as cases are now trickling into the circuit court. This influx has resulted in defendants often facing multiple active cases simultaneously, contributing to a perception that the court system is busier than ever.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted budgetary constraints faced by the courts, which have led to the cancellation of all jury trials in July and December. This decision aims to reduce expenses but poses a challenge as the courts are now expected to complete a year’s worth of trial work within a condensed 10-month period. The implications of this shift are expected to create a particularly challenging fall for the court system, as they navigate the increased workload alongside the reduced trial schedule.

Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing issues within the Belknap County judicial system, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to manage the growing caseload effectively.