Endorsing the National Association of Women Judges’ Resolution on Diversity in Trial Court Appointments
Resolution 2: Endorsing the National Association of Women Judges' Resolution on Diversity in Trial Court Appointments
WHEREAS, a fundamental underlying goal of the justice system is to provide equal treatment and opportunity for everyone; and
WHEREAS, litigants and the justice system as a whole benefit from greater diversity in trial court appointments; and
WHEREAS, there are many diverse lawyers who are experienced and highly qualified for appointments by trial courts; and
WHEREAS, the justice system as a whole has become increasingly diverse, including diverse judges, juries and litigants; and
WHEREAS, research establishes that diversity enhances creativity and innovation, and leads to better decision-making and problem solving; and
WHEREAS, some trial courts have not appointed women lawyers, minority lawyers and lawyers in small law firms to various positions such as lead counsel for plaintiff classes, special masters, receivers, trustees, hearing officers, referees, mediators and arbitrators, guardians, and counsel for indigent defendants in numbers commensurate with their representation in the legal profession;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators concur with the National Association of Women Judges that in exercising their appointment powers, trial courts, both federal and state, should be mindful of the importance of diversity and should make appointments that are consistent with the diversity of our society and the justice system.
Adopted as proposed by the CCJ/COSCA Access, Fairness and Public Trust Committee at the CCJ/COSCA Annual Meeting on July 27, 2016.