BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's Chief Justice Roger Burdick says the state is struggling to find qualified attorneys who are willing to sit on the bench, partly because of the relatively low pay given judges and the ever-growing caseload faced by the courts. Burdick made the comments as part of the Idaho Supreme Court's annual State of the Judiciary Address given to lawmakers on Thursday.

He said the state's Judicial Council often has trouble coming up with four names to send to the governor for appointment to open judge positions, and judicial leaders are now holding discussion groups across the state to tell attorneys about the benefits that come with being a judge. It's a tough sell, however. Burdick said an overwhelming workload makes the bench less attractive, as does lower pay.

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