Top federal judges in 49 states are urging lawmakers to avoid another round of automatic spending cuts that would have a "devastating and long-lasting impact" on the federal courts, The Associated Press reported today. The unusual letter from the chief judges of trial courts in every state but Nevada said that the $350 million reduction in the judiciary's budget for the current year has dramatically slowed court proceedings and put public safety at risk. The letter was sent this week to congressional leaders in both parties in the House and Senate.
