Court Dysfunction Results in No Juries in Chesterfield County

The Richmond Times Dispatch has reported that no jury trials can take place in Chesterfield County because of a judicial oversight.  All jury trials have had to be continued until the court can impanel juries.  According to Virginia law, the chief judge of each circuit court is required to appoint jury commissioners by July 1 of each year.  Judge Michael Allen, chief judge of Chesterfield County Circuit Court, failed to appoint jury commissioners until December 4, more than five months after the deadline!  What's worse, Judge Allen has tried to shift the blame to court personnel.  Our concern is that justice delayed is justice denied and that criminals may walk if they aren't granted their right to a speedy trial.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/JURY26_20100125-222006/320099/