This article explores state court budgetary strategies and their effectiveness in the appropriations process as perceived by key budgeting actors. In general, we find evidence of state judiciaries that try to remain “above politics” when dealing with budget issues. The most important...

Courts face a "catch-22" as a independent branch. On one hand court officials feel the need to remain "above politics" in order to secure the legitimacy of the branch and to remain independent. On other hand, courts must negotiate the very political budget process, interact effectively with the...