TimesLeader.com

Case backlog prompts judge to ask lawyers for help

(AP)

A Pennsylvania county down two judges because of a pair of unrelated scandals is asking lawyers to preside over a glut of civil cases.

Luzerne County President Judge Chester Muroski says a massive backlog of scheduled trials and guilty pleas has prompted him to ask the county's lawyers for help. Muroski wants experienced attorneys to enroll in the Special Trial Master Program to hear civil cases.

Muroski says there are a total of 1,382 cases to be heard between now and January, including two dozen homicide trials.

Luzerne County has two vacancies on its bench. Judge Mark Ciavarella resigned in January in the midst of a judicial kickbacks scandal and a state panel removed Judge Ann Lokuta from the bench in December over misconduct allegations. Lokuta is appealing that ruling.

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Information from: Times Leader, http://www.timesleader.com