Comment on Bias in Court Interactions

Invitation to Comment: Addressing Bias in Court Interactions 

A work group created by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakuaye posted a proposal for public comment that outlines steps courts can take to help prevent bias in court interactions. The Work Group to Enhance Administrative Standards Addressing Bias in Court Proceedings is charged with proposing amendments to standard 10.20 (Court’s duty to prohibit bias) of the California Standards of Judicial Administration. The proposal focuses on:

• Updating the list of protected classifications enumerated in the standard;
   
• More broadly defining the scope of the standard and its applicability to all court interactions;
   
• Defining the optimal role for local bias committees and outlining contemporary considerations for the makeup of those committees; and
   
• Ensuring that court users can access information regarding how they can submit complaints regarding bias about court employees and judicial officers in court interactions.

The proposal is posted under Judicial Administration on the Invitations to Comment page of the California Courts website. Deadline for comments: June 25.

More information on the work group: www.courts.ca.gov/biasworkgroup.htm