BENTONVILLE -- Some area state legislators spent Friday morning in court.
They weren't parties in any legal action. Instead, they watched proceedings in Circuit Judge Tom Smith's court. Other candidates in the Nov. 4 general election also attended.
It's a program started by Jim Hannah, chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, Smith said. Hannah wanted more interaction between legislators and judges, Smith said.
"It helps give them a better idea of what's happening with our courts," Smith said.
Friday's proceedings consisted of divorce, protection orders and drug court hearings.
"It will give them a better understanding of what we are trying to do," Smith said of the day. "They see funding issues with these courts, but I don't know if they have personally seen one of these courts."
Smith and Circuit Judges Xollie Duncan and Brad Karren discussed the court system and answered questions. Discussion touched on drug and veterans courts and issues with the mentally ill in the court system.
Smith told the group a veterans court was started last year and two people have graduated from the program.
"We have not received any funding from the state," Smith said. "It is successful, and eventually you all will be asked to help."
Veterans court, similar to drug court in some aspects, centers around veterans who cope with post-traumatic and addiction issues. Veterans in his court have been able to get mental-health treatment, Smith said.
The three circuit judges agreed more beds are needed to treat the mentally ill.
State Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, was impressed by Smith, Duncan and Karren.
"They want to see people reform and are not just concerned about possible punishments," Hester said.
Hester said he supports drug and veterans courts, and he believes there's more money for those type of programs.
"We can do a better job of increasing funds for drug courts, which could lead to a decrease in funds that the DOC needs," Hester said.
State Rep. Dan Douglas, R-Bentonville, said the court proceedings and meeting with the judges were insightful.
"We all need to get out more from Little Rock and see these things," Douglas said. "It puts a different perspective on things."
Duncan said the meeting was a good opportunity for legislators to see how their backing impacts lives, and the meeting gave them an opportunity to see what happens in court.
NW News on 08/30/2014