Ensuring Judicial Independence
PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAMS
MODELS AVAILABLE FROM THE ABA
The ABA has developed a number of model programs and resources to aid bar associations, civic groups, educators, and others interested in educating the public on the role of judges and courts in our system of government. The ABA Justice Center is coordinating several public outreach programs that focus on judicial independence and the justice system. Model programs and resources include:
National Issues Forum Programs
In cooperation with the Kettering Foundation, the ABA has published a National Issues Forum discussion guide, "…And Justice for All: Ensuring Public Trust and Confidence in the Justice System." This special issue book was prepared for use by professional, civic and educational groups interested in addressing the issue of how we can improve the justice system. National Issues Forums (NIF) is a nonpartisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored forums for the consideration of public policy issues. The forums are sponsored by thousands of civic, service, and religious organizations, as well as libraries, high schools, and colleges across the nation.
Bar associations can establish partnerships with NIF
moderators to sponsor local forums on justice system issues. For more
information, please visit the ABA Coalition for Justice National
Issues Forum.
To order a copy of "…And Justice for All," call the ABA Service Center at 800-285-2221, and request Product Code #PC1590004.
Citizens Conferences
Citizens conferences can serve as an effective impetus for improvements to the justice system and judicial selection systems. Over the past 30 years, state and local citizens conferences have led to important reforms and improvements, including the establishment of unified court system and merit selection systems. Most recently, Portland, Oregon held a day-long citizens conference that attracted an overflow audience representing a broad cross-section of the public interested in justice system issues. A set of suggestions for planning and conducting a citizens conference compiled by Judge Ellen Rosenblum of Portland, who helped coordinate the Oregon citizens conference, is attached.
For more information on citizens conferences, contact of the ABA Coalition for Justice.
Additional Resources:
Hon. Richard J. Fruin, with John Fallahay and Jeremy Persin. Judicial Outreach on a Shoestring: A Working Manual. (Chicago: Judicial Division, American Bar Association, 1999.)
"Loitering Around the 21st Century – Our Courts and the Significance of Judicial Independence." Video program produced by The Missouri Bar featuring Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin traveling to the 21st Century to explore the role of courts and assess the significance of judicial indepenence. To order copies, contact The Missouri Bar at 573-635-4128.
"Broken Scales: Justice Under the Influence." Video program produced by the American Board of Trial Advocates, Hawaii Chapter, showing one man’s journey through a nightmare world where one of the cornerstones of our democracy – judicial independence – has crumbled. Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon also discusses the importance of an impartial judiciary with a group of students. To purchase a copy of the video, contact the Friends of the Judiciary History Center at 808-539-4999 or at jhc@aloha.net.
Road Maps Series. The American Bar Association Office of Justice Initiatives publishes a series of "how-to" manuals designed to help bench, bar, and community organizations - as well as local policymakers - implement recommendations for change and reform in the justice system. To order one or more Road Maps, call the ABA Service Center at 800-285-2221 and request the Product Code indicated after each of the following topics:
Access to Justice (PC #3460006)
Alternative Dispute Resolution (PC #3460008)
The American Jury (PC #3460005)
Community Involvement (PC #3460002)
Funding the Justice System (PC #3460003)
Independence of the Judiciary (PC #34600004)
Judicial Selection (PC #3460001)
Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Justice System (PC #3460009)
Unified Family Courts (PC #3460010)
This resource kit contains materials from a variety of sources. Consequently, unless specifically stated, materials do not necessarily represent official policy of the ABA.
Updated May 2002.