What are the primary problems facing rural courts today?
Five major issues have been highlighted in the current discussion about rural courts: distance and geography, access to technology and accompanying support, lack of funding, insufficient training, and a lack of services The lack of funding, training, technology, and services stems from a small population and low tax base. The strong reliance on property tax and income from undependable crop productions results in an unsteady and unpredictable base for funding. In addition, the nature of rural courts as opposed to urban courts, though for the most part positive, may have negative results. For example, while a “close acquaintanceship” between court staff and the public it serves may promote flexibility and opportunities to tailor justice on an individual basis, the familiarity and informality can encourage the transgression of due-process standards or other constitutional guarantees.
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