Maine Chief Justice Leigh Saufley recently expressed her concern over the growing backlog of cases in the state's court system. In an interview with the Portland Press Herald, Saufley said that the backlog hurts her heart and that it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. According to Saufley, the backlog is due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused delays in court proceedings. Additionally, she noted that the state's court system has been underfunded for years, which has led to a shortage of judges and court staff. The backlog has had a significant impact on Maine's justice system. Saufley noted that some cases are taking years to be resolved, which can be devastating for the parties involved. For example, victims of domestic violence may have to wait months or even years for their cases to be heard, which can put them in danger. Saufley is calling on the state's lawmakers to take action to address the backlog. She has proposed a number of solutions, including increasing funding for the court system, hiring more judges and court staff, and implementing technology to streamline court proceedings. In addition to these solutions, Saufley is also calling on the public to do their part to help reduce the backlog. She noted that many cases could be resolved more quickly if parties were willing to work together and reach agreements outside of court. Overall, Saufley's comments highlight the urgent need to address the backlog of cases in Maine's court system. By taking action to increase funding, hire more staff, and implement technology, the state can ensure that justice is served in a timely manner and that the rights of all parties are protected.