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Kouros' backlog raises new concerns
Two representatives of state Supreme Court pay another visit
Post-Tribune (IN)
April 26, 2003
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy.portagelibrary.info/resources/doc/nb/news/0FF67C5A148252DE?p=AWNB
The Indiana Supreme Court may be losing patience with Lake Superior Court Judge Joan Kouros, who seems to continue to violate an order to deal effectively with her case backlog.
On Monday, two representatives of the Supreme Court paid a visit to Kouros' room III courtroom where about 177 cases had been checked out from the Lake County clerk's office.
"We did have two staffers reviewing the cases in her court," confirmed Supreme Court spokesman David Remondini. "One of the reasons was to determine her compliance with the court's order."
The results of the visit haven't been made public, and it is not known when they will be.
Kouros had become known for having hundreds of file cases in her courtroom and chambers, the majority of which awaited rulings or orders for defendants, some of whom are being held in the Lake County Jail.
In January, the Supreme Court ordered Kouros to immediately implement practices to prevent delays of cases in her court, return files checked out of the clerk's office within 48 hours and not have more than 80 files out at one time.
Early on, it appeared Kouros was following through on the terms of the order, but problems began slowly creeping back up.
As of March 21, Kouros reportedly had as many as 172 files checked out to her courtroom. On Monday, about 80 cases had been returned to the clerk's office.
As of Friday, about 144 cases had been checked out, although some were part of Kouros' daily court call.
Kouros could not be reached for comment.
Although generally viewed as a stern, fair and hard-working judge, Kouros could face disciplinary action by the Supreme Court if she continues to violate the order. Such action could include removal from the bench.
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