North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle is making a plea for three more district judges.
Vandewalle told the Legislature – in his State of the Judiciary Address – the northwest part of North Dakota needs two more judgeships, and Cass County would get the third.
When the Legislature created a unified judiciary, the number of district judges was set at 42. Two years ago, a judgeship was added. The state Supreme Court was given the authority to move judgeships to where they're needed. Vandewalle told lawmakers before the oil boom, judgeships were moved from Watford City and Stanley to Minot.
"Watford City and Stanley have seen substantial increases in cases since that time," said VandeWalle. "This has left us with no excess capacity in the system. We can no longer serve the growing needs of one area by cannibalizing other areas of the state."
House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) says he understands the need.
"Adding FTEs is always a tough deal around here," said Carlson. "We need to make sure public safety is taken care of. I think the Justice should have additional support in the northwest, where all the activity is."
Carlson says he also knows the problems have grown in Cass County – but he wants to take a look at the numbers before supporting another judgeship in Fargo.