Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Myths and realities about Washington courts: New video challenges some misperceptions

July 14, 2014

A new video from Washington’s judicial branch challenges some mistaken ideas about how courts work by using real person-on-the-street interviews and responses from judges and justices.

“Myths and Misperceptions about the Washington Courts” is a 9-minute video from the Public Trust & Confidence Committee of the Board for Judicial Administration (BJA) produced in partnership with Washington’s public affairs station, TVW. The video is available on the Washington Courts YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBy43azhWHk.   It is also available on the TVW Website at www.tvw.org by searching “Myth.”

“We recognized there are many myths and misperceptions about Washington courts and how the justice system works,” said Justice Mary Fairhurst, chair of the PT&C Committee.  “We thought the video would be a good and interesting way to address the misunderstandings.” 

The video addresses myths such as the belief that courts work for police agencies, that judges don’t care about safety if they don’t grant a protection order, that mothers “always get custody” of children in a divorce, that judges can do whatever they want, and so on.

The video was produced at a cost of $3,000 provided by the Washington State Gender and Justice Commission and the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, as well as in-kind staff and equipment contributions from TVW.

“We hope that the video will enhance the public’s understanding of and enhance their trust and confidence in Washington courts,” Fairhurst said.

The Public Trust & Confidence Committee was formed in 1999 by the Board for Judicial Administration to improve understanding of and confidence in the judicial branch. The Committee includes judges, attorneys, educators, legislators, local government officials and members of the public. The PT&C Committee assesses public opinion and concerns, then works to address gaps in information and understanding. Some of its other products include fact sheets for self-represented (“pro se”) litigants, FAQ posters for courthouses, a “What’s Happening in Court?” coloring book for children coming to court, juror information and outreach materials for judges and court officials. For more information, visit http://www.courts.wa.gov/programs_orgs/pos_bja/?fa=pos_bja.ptc .

The Board for Judicial Administration (BJA) was established in 1981 to enhance the administration of the court system in Washington State through development of policy and bringing judges and court officials together to collaborate and lead. Judges serving on the Board pursue the best interests of the judiciary at large in representing the more than 400 elected and appointed judges presiding at four levels: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, Superior Courts, and District and Municipal Courts.

 

CONTACT:  Justice Mary Fairhurst, (360) 357-2053; Margaret Fisher, Administrative Office of the Courts, (206) 501-7963.

 


Washington Courts Media Contacts:

Wendy K. Ferrell
Judicial Communications Manager
360.705.5331
e-mail Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov
Lorrie Thompson
Communications Officer
360.705.5347
Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov
 

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