Computer problems cause funding crunches, Supreme Court rift

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A five (m) million dollar computer system meant to link state courts with Oklahoma's eight largest counties is apparently causing big problems.

The Daily Oklahoman reports that court clerks can't figure out how much they owe various state agencies because of errors in the system.

The problems are also apparently creating problems in the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which is in charge of running it.

Justice Marian Opala says the "military-style" management of the court prevents him and other justices from having input into the project. Chief Justice Hardy Summers says he doesn't know what Opala is talking about.

Clerks in Oklahoma, Tulsa and Comanche counties say the system has numerous problems, causing them to hold money intended to fund patrol cars, crime victims' compensation and child-abuse programs, among other services.

Summers admits there are problems with the system, but says the difficulties are being addressed.