In Support of State Courts’ Responsibility to Promote Bias-Free Behavior
Resolution 12: In Support of State Courts' Responsibility to Promote Bias-Free Behavior
WHEREAS, significant progress has been made in combating racial and ethnic prejudice in the United States; and
WHEREAS, bias and prejudice have no place in the courts; and
WHEREAS, the courts have the special role as impartial arbiters of disputes; and
WHEREAS, many states have undertaken a variety of effective strategies to prevent bias in the justice system such as:
- establishing and enforcing court policy and procedures for reporting and handling allegations of bias;
- appointing task forces to promote racial and ethnic fairness;
- promoting a representative workforce;
- conducting educational awareness programs for court personnel;
- providing adequate interpreter services and multilingual court forms; and
WHEREAS, the National Center for State Courts has published a useful guide entitled 'Achieving Fairness Through Bias-Free Behavior: A Pocket Guide for the Courts' that addresses these strategies and gives recommendations for dealing with bias; and
WHEREAS, the National Center for State Courts has provided technical assistance and consultation to state court systems on inquiries regarding racial and ethnic bias in the courts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators:
- Endorse the recommendations and strategies set forth in the NCSC's Achieving Fairness Through Bias-Free Behavior: A Pocket Guide for the Courts; and
- Encourage each Chief Justice and State Court Administrator to take a leadership role in eliminating bias in the nation's state courts.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conferences urge judges and court administrators
- To be vigilant of the various ways in which bias can manifest itself in the justice system; and
- To take active steps to eliminate bias in the justice system as outlined in the 'Achieving Fairness Through Bias-Free Behavior: A Pocket Guide for the Courts'; and
- To be familiar with exemplary Codes of Conduct relating to bias in state court systems as highlighted in 'Achieving Fairness Through Bias-Free Behavior: A Pocket Guide for the Courts
Adopted as proposed by the CCJ/COSCA Access to and Fairness in the Courts Committee at the 57th Annual Meeting on August 3, 2005.