Home Justice in Jeopardy Reports Funding News Implementation Committee   For mothers Carol and Susan, and for teenager Jackson, these four words represent a remarkable story. Because without an efficient and accessible system of courts—along with legal help and representation—the ending to each of their stories would be vastly different. Since 2004, the agencies of the Washington state judicial branch have worked together on an issue paramount to our basic legal obligation of equal justice under law. Called “Justice in Jeopardy,” this multiyear initiative is aimed at funding and fixing the deficiencies in the judicial system for residents in our state. There is a justice gap—and it is growing! From Walla Walla to Wenatchee and from Bellingham to Battle Ground, justice is out of reach for far too many. Senior citizens living on a fixed income and facing foreclosure at the hands of an unscrupulous lender. A young mother successfully recovering from alcoholism facing the fight of her life to keep her children out of foster care. A teenager involved in an unfortunate skirmish, facing assault charges that could prevent him in the future from enlisting in the military, working in a nursing home or taking a job that involves child care. A deaf man charged with assault, unable to understand the legal proceedings because the small town where he was arrested doesn’t have registered court interpreters available. Funding the judicial branch is more than a phrase etched in stone. It’s about ensuring that basic rights and protections are granted to all citizens in our state. And today, in this especially challenging economic environment, it is more important than ever to support, maintain and expand these critical services for our most vulnerable citizens. We invite you to the Justice in Jeopardy website and encourage you contact us with any questions. Contact Information For further information, contact us at: Washington Courts Mellani McAleenan PO Box 41174 Olympia, WA 41174 360.357.2113 mellani.mcaleenan@courts.wa.gov Office of Civil Legal Aid Jim Bamberger PO Box 41183 Olympia, WA 98504 360.704.4135 Jim.Bamberger@ocla.wa.gov Office of Public Defense Joanne Moore PO Box 40957 Olympia, WA 98504-0957 360.586.3164 Joanne.moore@opd.wa.gov