Beyond the ordinary

Chief Judge Leah R. Case of Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit has repeatedly emphasized the urgent need for an additional circuit judge in Volusia County. Despite the state’s recent approval of two new judicial seats for the circuit—which spans Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, and Putnam counties—Judge Case has warned that without adequate courtroom space and administrative support, the appointment alone won’t solve the backlog.

In interviews with the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Case noted that Volusia County’s caseload continues to grow while physical infrastructure remains stagnant. “We need another judge,” she stated plainly, “but we also need somewhere to put them”.

What the News-Journal and other outlets have not fully explored is the deeper systemic strain: judges in Volusia are managing increasingly complex dockets with limited staff, outdated facilities, and budget constraints that leave little room for innovation. While the headlines focus on new appointments, the underlying issue is sustainability—how to ensure that new judges can function effectively within a system already stretched thin.

The Seventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is currently accepting applications for the newly approved seats, with one expected to be assigned to Volusia County. However, the timeline for appointment and implementation remains uncertain, and no final selections have been announced by Governor Ron DeSantis.

> Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. Statements attributed to Chief Judge Leah Case are drawn from publicly available interviews and official sources. The views expressed regarding underreported issues reflect the author’s analysis and do not represent official positions of the judiciary or state government. Readers are encouraged to consult the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court’s website for verified updates and procedural details.

As Volusia County continues to grow, the need for judicial resources grows with it. Whether the system can keep pace remains a question not just of appointments—but of infrastructure, transparency, and long-term planning.