News

Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness Commission to Provide Collaborative Forum for Variety of Issues

March 03, 2005

HARRISBURG, March 4, 2005 — Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ralph J. Cappy today announced the formation of a 24-member Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness to promote the equal application of the law for all citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “By collaboratively reviewing and developing initiatives, this intergovernmental commission will provide a unique forum to address issues of concern to many Pennsylvanians,” the chief justice said. “It will enhance the trust and confidence of Pennsylvania’s citizens in the Judiciary through its work to ensure everyone is getting fair justice no matter their race, gender or ethnic background.” The commission’s 24 members were appointed by the state’s three government branches and were drawn from around the state. The members include judges, attorneys, legislators and community advocates. The commission, which met today for the first time, is scheduled to convene quarterly. Attorney Lisette McCormick was appointed executive director of the commission. McCormick previously served as executive director of the Supreme Court’s Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System — a forerunner of the commission. The commission will rely on the considerable research already done by the committee as a basis for its work. The committee outlined its findings in a 550-page final report that was released in 2003. (A copy of the report can be found on the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web site at: www.courts.state.pa.us) The commission is expected to review and select recommendations from the final report and suggest possible means of implementation, in addition to examining any new initiatives. Funding for the establishment of the commission was approved last year by the General Assembly and contained in the Fiscal Year 2004-2005 judiciary budget. Appointment of a chair, vice chair and secretary will rotate among the three branches with the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania serving as chair in the first year. Similarly, the terms of the vice chair and secretary also will be one year in the first year of operation. Thereafter, all officers will serve two-year terms. Succeeding chairs will be appointed by the governor, legislature and judiciary.