MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore is tightening the financial belt in the Judicial Department amid budget concerns, and the effect will be seen by the general public.
Thursday, Judge Moore sent an order to all the state's circuit clerks offices ordering them to close their doors to the public on Wednesdays. The order goes into effect on March 20, 2013.
Circuit clerks offices are responsible for numerous legal duties including maintainance of records involving court proceedings, as well dealing with public records, licenses and certificates. It also files papers on behalf of the courts.
Judge Moore, who presides over the administrative duties of the court, cites the "chronic and substantial lack of adequate funding of the Judicial Branch...[which has] resulted in myriad problems..." as the primary reason for the order.