$75 million has been allocated to deal with a court backlog | File Photo
$75 million has been allocated to deal with a court backlog | File Photo
Fulton County has allocated $75 million to combat the historical judicial backlog of cases created by COVID-19 pandemic, a good portion of the funding coming from the American Rescue and Recovery Act to fight the all-time high crime rates.
According to a report by Fox 5 Atlanta, over 200,000 cases are backlogged, and Fulton County is already the Southeast’s largest and busiest judicial system.
"But you want to know what I need? You want me to be specific, for that historical backlog? I want $2.7 million" Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said during a meeting with Fulton County commissioners, as reported by Fox 5. "That translates into 23 employees that will focus on those cases"
Due to the rise in crime and lack of manpower, Fulton County was in a position of potentially having to release murderers from prison, Fox 5 reported. The county is allocating $75 million in funding to expedite the case backlog. The funds will go towards 20 new courtrooms and 300 new staff members.
Funds will also be used to extend courtroom hours, add satellite courtroom locations, improve case management and triage and utilizing real-time case dispositions. The district attorney, solicitor general and public defender are all hiring new employees.
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