COLUMBIA, S.C. - More efficient management and better technology has helped the state's judicial system thrive, despite dwindling financial state support, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal told lawmakers Wednesday.

In her annual state of the judiciary address, Toal said across-the-board cuts have trimmed state appropriations to the judicial system to $35 million, about $3.4 million less than what the state originally allocated for courts this year.

Last year, the Legislature approved some new court fees after Toal requested more money.

"The court needs additional funds, and we can work toward that in the future, but she recognized that in these tight budget times, that isn't possible," said Rep. Jim Harrison, who said the speech was well received by legislators.

Toal, a former legislator, said she knows the upcoming year will be difficult. The judicial system will receive $32 million in the fiscal year beginning July 1, she said. That's nearly $10 million less than the $41.8 million the state appropriated three years ago when Toal became chief justice.

"I have sat in your seat and walked in your shoes in making the tough budget choices that a changing economy presents to you," she said. "I thank you in advance for your continued support. This year will simply be a scramble to survive."

As the judicial system's budget grows smaller, judges' caseloads have gotten heavier over the past eight years, Toal said.

"Hard times produce an increase in crime, domestic disputes, business disputes and almost every area of our courts business," Toal said. "And yet we are achieving great success."

Toal said a pilot program in Richland County has reduced pending cases by nearly a third to 4,847. Toal said courts are using federal grants to expand the program to other counties.

The court system also has used federal grants to improve technology in county courthouses, she said. Clerks of court in some counties are posting their rosters online and 25 of the 46 counties have access to high-speed Internet connections. Just three years ago, many judges did not even use e-mail, Toal said.

"The counties stepping forward are not only the large, progressive counties that everyone expects, but the rural counties as well - Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton counties," she said.

Some of those counties save as much as $500 dollars a month by posting rosters online, Toal said.

Toal also said strict guidelines for when judges can approve sealing court documents or settlement papers balance the public's right to information and the need for privacy. The rules take effect in May, unless the General Assembly kills them by a three-fifths vote in each chamber.

The House Judiciary Committee last week unanimously approved the guidelines, which come up for a vote in the House next week.

"I think her proposal strikes a good balance between the public's right to know and matters that should remain private," said Harrison, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.