Fewer Roanoke circuit judges would pinch neighboring jurisdictions that benefit from cooperative agreements.

The Roanoke Valley is facing a courthouse crisis, one with consequences that could be felt well beyond the immediate region.

The final budget approved by state legislators this past weekend failed to fund replacements for two retiring judges in the 23rd Judicial Circuit. Unless Gov. Bob McDonnell amends the budget, the number of circuit court judges assigned to Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem will drop from six to four by April. A seat on the juvenile and domestic relations court also was left vacant.

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