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Public Trust and Confidence (PTC) Committee

Vision

To achieve the highest possible level of public trust and confidence in the Washington judicial system.

Mission

To assess the public’s level of trust and confidence in the Washington judicial system and to develop strategies to increase that trust and confidence.

Goals:

  1. To catalog potential and current activities promoting public trust and confidence in the judicial system.
  2. To identify areas where public trust and confidence is lacking and to prioritize these needs for consideration by the committee.
  3. To develop and disseminate tools and resources to address those needs.
  4. To encourage and monitor use of tools and resources developed by the committee.
  5. To collaborate with other individuals and groups working to improve public trust and confidence.
 
Overview of Washington Courts Statewide Resources Brochures
 
PTC Committee Projects
Resources for the Public
Resources for Courts

Branches of Government Handout
An explanation of how citizens interact with the judicial, executive and legislative branches of government

Local Government Handout
An explanation of how the judicial branch operates within the context of county and city governments.

Self-Represented Persons in District Court
Approved by the Board of Judicial Administration in 2010, this adaptable handout was designed by the BJA Public Trust and Confidence Committee to help pro se litigants navigate district court. A Spanish version for Self-Represented Persons in District Court is also available.

Self-Represented Persons in Municipal Court
Approved by the Board of Judicial Administration in 2010, this adaptable handout was designed by the BJA Public Trust and Confidence Committee to help pro se litigants navigate municipal court. A Spanish version for Self-Represented Persons in Municipal Court is also available.

Self-Represented Persons in Superior Court Civil Proceedings'
Designed to be distributed by County Clerks and Superior Court Administrators’ offices.  This document addresses civil actions in superior court and outlines how to start an  action against someone else, how to defend yourself from an action, terms you need to know, what to wear and how to act in court and a list of helpful phone numbers and websites.  A Spanish version for Self-Represented Persons in Superior Court Civil Proceedings' is also available.

Separation of Powers Handout
A quick look at the concept of separation of powers

Frequently Asked Question Sheet
Designed for posting in all courts.  This sheet covers frequently asked general questions, such as where to obtain information on forms, jury duty, traffic issues, fines and fees, domestic violence and more.  The bottom of page two includes an area for local variations for your county as well as local resources for further information. 

Judicial Remarks to Prospective Jurors
A sample script for judges or court staff who conduct jury orientation.  Designed to explain the jury process and complement the Washington State Jury Orientation Video.

Juror Appreciation Poster
A poster designed for posting in all state courthouses, thanking jurors for their service.

Juror Stress Project

Sample cover letter and survey to measure juror stress from the first contact to the end of jury experience. Designed to provide feedback to the courts about ways to ease jury duty.

Model Court Tours Template
Approved by the Board of Judicial Administration in 2010, this template was designed by the BJA Public Trust and Confidence Committee to help court staff save time when contacted by a school or organization requesting a tour of the court.

Presiding Judges Outreach Toolkit
A toolkit for presiding judges on community and media outreach and other opportunities to increase public trust and confidence in the judiciary in Washington State.  

Senior Volunteer Project

Advice, listing of roles, and brochure for using senior volunteers in court. Includes contacts of courts with senior volunteer programs. Designed to bring resources to assist with courts' work.

Speakers Brochure
Approved by the Board of Judicial Administration in 2010, this template for use by local courts to promote requests for judicial officers to speak in their community.

"What's Happening in Court?"
A coloring activity book for young people going to court in Washington State.

 
 
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