Courts Are Not Revenue Centers
Adopted for the 2011–2012 term, this COSCA policy paper addresses the problematic trend of funding state courts through fines, fees, and surcharges. It outlines seven principles that reinforce the judiciary's constitutional role and advocate for general governmental funding — not fee-based revenue — as the primary source of court support. The paper provides legal context, policy guidance, and recommendations for ensuring courts remain open, impartial, and accessible, rather than operating as tools of revenue generation.