Businesses need an effective and efficient court system.

If Florida wants to live up to its potential as the third largest state in the U.S., it will take better technology for its courts, better pay for its judges and court staff, and better access to courts for its residents.

Mixing humor, statistics, and a relentless argument, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga used his State of the Judiciary Address at the Bar Annual Convention Judicial Luncheon to make the case for better funding for the courts.

"Throughout the years, you have heard repeatedly how the budget for the judicial branch of Florida comprises only 0.7 percent of the entire state budget. You've heard that a thousand times, you're sick of it, so I won't even mention it," Labarga said.

"What I will say is the judiciary in Florida makes up the third branch of government; let me repeat that: branch of government of the State of Florida.

"As such, it has a constitutionally indispensable role in our government. Given that, the adequacy of its funding must be viewed from the mandate of a constitutional requirement. No exceptions."

Labarga thanked legislators for their efforts in funding the court system and judges and court staff for managing current caseloads, at one point saying, "The state of the judiciary is good. There are a few bumps here and there, as would be expected. The judiciary is working hard, and we are hoping we can only get better in the future."

But he said more has to be done as the state changes and grows, adding that the state has an increasing population and state leaders are actively working to attract a variety of businesses to the state, including those that will take advantage of Florida being a natural gateway to Central and South America.

"Businesses of all sizes need an effective and efficient court system where it can count on timely resolution of disputes that inevitably crop up in the business world," Labarga said. "Access to remedies that only the courts can provide is an indispensable part of doing business. Without it, business falters, so does its profits, and so does the economy.

"What's more, with the growth of business and the growth of big business come disputes that are extremely complex. If you're trying to attract big business to Florida, you must also attract lawyers for them in the business world who can handle complex transactions in their practices. Simply put, if we're going to play in the major business leagues, we need major league players."

That includes sufficient inducements to...