Study Reports and Briefings
Each JLARC study results in a published report and a presentation to the Commission. Some studies also have separate appendices or other supporting documentation. All JLARC documents are available as PDFs.
JLARC Report In Brief
Operational and Capital Funding for District and Circuit Courts
Courts are not required to cover their costs, although they generate revenue forthe State and localities through fines, fees, and taxes. Statutes require localities to provide courtrooms and office space for court personnel, and many supplement State-funded staff salaries.
In FY 2008, the State spent $199.5 million more to operate courts than it received in fee revenue (notcounting taxes and specialfund revenues). Localities spent at least $10.6 million more than they received infee and fine revenue (not counting non-personnel costs such as construction).The Judicial Council of Virginia may wish to review court fees and recommend adjustments to recoup a greater portion of costs.
Most localities routinely address courthouse problems, but some localities have addressed problemsonly after a court order. Judges should routinely be consulted on courthouse needs.
Costs for 43 courthouse projects completed since 2005 or currently underway exceed $720 million, fundedby local revenues. A State-authorized fee for courthouse construction covers only a small portion of these costs, and statutory restrictions further reduce the fee's effectiveness.
| Report No. 393: Nov 2009, 112 pages | Report (pdf) | Briefing (pdf) |