Local businesses involved in lawsuits may save time and money if a new court system is implemented in Pennsylvania.

State Republican senators are supporting the creation of a chancery court, which would hear cases only between businesses. According to senate Republicans, this would expedite the judicial process and save money.

In a column for the York Daily Record, Sen. Michael Fisher, R-Allegheny, supported the system because he said the result will be big dividends for state workers and businesses. The court would create a more practical and fair method for resolving cases between corporations, Fisher said in the column.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone involved," he said.

Ron Ruman, spokesman for the Senate Republican Caucus, said the proposed system would benefit the state. Because the court would be funded by the businesses that use it, taxpayers would not pay a dime, he said.

"It will save money, which would create more jobs," Ruman said.

But some businesses are wary that the idea may have some loopholes.

Sally Vaughn, manager of The Gipsy Horse, 232 W. College Ave., questioned several aspects of the system.

The success of the idea depends on how long it takes to set up the system, she said, adding it would require a lot of research. Vaughn also questioned how the qualifications of the judge would be determined.

"The feasibility of it would be yet to be seen," she said.

Jim Kelly, owner of Picture This, 322 E. College Ave., said he doesn't think a separate judicial system is needed to handle disputes between businesses. Civil courts handle the cases quickly enough, he said.

"I can't see why we need to spend more money," Kelly said.

But other professionals support the idea of a chancery court.

Although arbitration is an option for businesses, other options should also be explored, said Bruce Russell, manager of Radio Shack in the Nittany Mall.

"We need anything we can do to speed up the judicial system," Russell said.

State College attorney S. Paul Mazza said he also would support any idea that will speed up the decision process and save money. It would help businesses everywhere, Mazza said.

"Everyone faces those years of delay," Mazza said.