Huseby, Executive Director of the Indigent Defense Commission, explains the strain on the court system in western North Dakota. She will be at the meeting today in Bismarck.
KFGO News Story, courtesy of Don Haney:
North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle said he will be following the progress of a task force on the justice system in western North Dakota's oil region.
VandeWalle said he hears from judges in western North Dakota about the increased work load that is brought on by oil development in the region.
"The crime statistics are interesting, said VandeWalle. "It shows, actually as I recall, a drop in some of the minor violations and an increase in the major violations, which means they are looking at the serious stuff and the minor stuff is being let go. Those are issues that I think we have to take a look at."
The State Bar Association set up the group. It's holding its first meeting today in Bismarck. Other meetings are planned in Dickinson, Williston and Minot.