Opinion
No. 03-01
January 2, 2003.
EXECUTIVE ORDER
Pursuant to the authority invested in me by § 8-15-2 of the General Laws 1956 (1985 Reenactment), I hereby establish a Permanent Advisory Committee on Women and Minorities in the Courts. The naming of a permanent committee recognizes the court's commitment to a system of justice where no one is disadvantaged, or even perceived as being disadvantaged, based on gender, race, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. The appointment of this body also recognizes that the elimination of bias requires an ongoing process of self-examination and education.
The Permanent Advisory Committee on Women and Minorities in the Courts shall have thirty-one (31) members: seven (7) of whom shall be judges representing the various courts in the unified judicial system; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Department of Attorney General; one (1) one of whom shall be a representative of the Office of the Public Defender; one (1) one of whom shall be a representative of Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.; five (5) of whom shall be non-judicial employees representing the various courts; four (4) of whom shall be active members of the Bar of this state; and twelve (12) of whom shall be members of the general public who shall be broadly representative of all segments of the community. The committee may appoint subcommittees with members from outside of the committee as it deems appropriate. Committee members shall be appointed for terms of two (2) years and may be reappointed for additional terms. The chief justice shall designate one of the judicial members as chair of the committee.
The purpose of the Permanent Advisory Committee shall be to identify problems and make recommendations that ensure fair and equal treatment in the state courts for all parties, attorneys, court employees and other persons. To accomplish this it shall be the committee's charge to examine all levels of the state's unified judicial system, including a review of court statutes, rules, practices and conduct, and raise awareness about the problems and effects of bias in the judicial process.
The committee shall submit a report to the chief justice every two years that shall include a summary of its activities and any recommendations that it may have for improving that administration of justice.
This order shall supersede Executive Order No. 99-09 date October 29, 1999.
Entered as an Executive Order of this court this 2nd day of January 2003.
ENTER: By Order,
____________________________ __________________________ Frank J. Williams Clerk Chief Justice