Delaware Capital Review
By Joe Rogalsky
April 19, 2004

 Outgoing Chief Justice Calls for Judiciary Study

Dover – Departing Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice E. Norman Veasey told lawmakers they need to consider the impact of criminal justice policies on the court system during his State of the Judiciary address April 6 at Legislative Hall.

“There are violent offenders who must be incarcerated,” he said.

“There are nonviolent offenders serving minimum mandatory sentences.  Minimum mandatory sentences have costs to the courts.” 

Chief Justice Veasey encouraged lawmakers to pass House Bill 358, which calls for formation of a commission to perform a comprehensive review of the state’s criminal justice system.

“I think the concept of the commission is a good one and is consistent with the idea of a study I suggested last year,” he said.

HB 358 cleared the House Appropriations Committee on April 6.  House Speaker Rep. Terry R. Spence, R-New Castle, and Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Thurman G. Adams, D-Bridgeville, are sponsoring the bill.

Chief Justice Veasey retired April 7 after serving one 12-year term as Delaware’s top judge.

 “The chief justice has provided outstanding service to Delaware’s judiciary over the past 12 years,” said John F. Brady, a Sussex County attorney who works for House Republicans.

 “He will be missed.”

Chief Justice Veasey also called on lawmakers to support increased funding for the judiciary system.  He has asked for $1.7 million to fund nine new judicial posts.

 “We have to provide the proper resources for the court system,” he said.

 “The important point is we must keep our courts on top.”

Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has not picked Chief Justice Veasey’s replacement.  The state Senate must confirm her choice.

Gregory B. Patterson, Gov. Minner’s spokesperson, said the governor has received a list of potential nominees from her Judicial Nominating Commission but has not selected a candidate.