Washington, D.C.’s court system says it is too busy to comply with a proposal that would require district judges to provide a written explanation when they release a violent criminal before trial, with two top judges dismissing the measure as “not feasible.”

D.C. courts on Monday released a letter attacking a measure from city council member Brooke Pinto (D.) aimed at addressing the district’s surge in violent crime. Included in the measure is a provision that would require district judges to provide written explanations should they opt to release a violent criminal before trial, which Pinto says will “ensure accountability.” That provision, two top D.C. judges said in their letter, is “not feasible” as it would “significantly increase the workload” of the district’s judges and clerks.

[Here’s a thought, and maybe I’m just spitballing here, but … maybe the courts would be less busy if they didn’t release violent offenders before trial. Call me crazy, but it just may be that the two issues are linked. And besides that, why is paperwork more of a consideration than the threat to the community and public accountability? — Ed]