In Re Mandate of Funds for the Brown Circuit Court

SHEPARD, Chief Justice.

In 1979, the Brown Circuit Court, the Honorable Samuel R. Rosen, Judge, appointed a referee to assist with the special caseload generated by Brown County's large tourist trade. The referee hears misdemeanors, class D felonies, small claims, and some juvenile cases. He shares the space and accommodations of the circuit judge, the bailiff, the court reporters, the probation officer, and the pauper attorneys. The Brown Circuit Court is the only court in the county.

This system has operated efficiently for the last eight years. In 1986, however, the Judge and the County…