Concern over courts

Recently I listened to a presentation by one of our judicial folks. He promoted the idea that now that the new jail was approved, he would finally be able to administer more appropriate sentencing – because we will then have enough jail space to house or place those in need of the space in the new building for sentencing – as he felt he should be doing now.

I asked why judges feel that the amount of facility space should be of concern to them when incarcerating someone. Space to house someone shouldn’t be one of their concerns.

Judges have few primary concerns. First, they are to administer the law as given to them by our legislative bodies. Second, to administer fairly. Third, to determine the facts before they pass judgment. They also get to determine on occasion whether the law passed by our State Legislature is constitutional or not.

Not a single one of these designated issues has anything to do with whether Warm Springs is full, or whether Flathead County Jail has adequate beds. These issues ARE NOT anywhere within the business or scope of judges or courts.

Our judicial system, is overstepping its given authority. Whether there is adequate space to house someone, whether funding is inadequate or not, is NOT within the authority of any judge in any position within our system to use as a determining factor in passing judgment.

This problem goes all the way to the top of our judicial system. Our Supreme Court has chosen to act out the blatant statement that our State Legislature can pass any law they wish – as long as the Supreme Court agrees.

ALL this nonsense needs to end!

Russell Sias

Columbia Falls