A juvenile judgeship might be added in Butler County after the fall 2002 elections.

        House Bill 11 was drafted last year after an Ohio Supreme Court audit revealed that Butler courts were clogged with an overwhelming number of juvenile cases. The bill cleared the Ohio House on March 14, and is expected to go before the Senate Civil Justice Committee on April 11.

        “This is a much-needed addition for Butler County,” said state Rep. Shawn Webster, R-Millville, who introduced the bill.

        The audit showed that the 1999 caseload was 9,386 cases per judge, almost triple the statewide average. County officials predict the caseload to continue to grow.

        “There's no question we need someone else to hear cases,” Butler County Juvenile Judge David Niehaus said.

        Cases are not being heard quickly enough, he said: “When you're dealing with children, you have to make good decisions in the quickest time possible. Another judge would help share the burden.”

        County Prosecutor Robin Piper noted that juvenile cases require various services, and that it can be traumatic for a young person in the legal system.

        The heavy caseload also means more magistrates and assistants are needed, Mr. Piper said.

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