Public Trust and Confidence (PTC) Committee

To achieve the highest level of public trust in the judicial system by:

• Assessing and re-assessing public opinion, concern and level of trust in the judicial system while developing strategies to address them.

• Making recommendations to the Board for Judicial Administration regarding the need for legislative changes, or changes to court rules and procedures including those that reduce court complexity, cost, and delay while ensuring that the courts demographically reflect the communities they serve.

• Identifying existing activities throughout the state aimed at achieving trust and confidence in the courts, while coordinating with the Council on Public Legal Education, Access to Justice Board and other entities working to improve the system.

PTC Committee Projects

• Separation of Powers Handout:  A quick look at the concept of separation of powers
• 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.
• 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. 
• Superior Court Pro Se Litigant Information (Civil) Sheet 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. 
• Juror Appreciation Poster:  A poster designed for posting in all state courthouses, thanking jurors for their service.
• 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.
• 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.  
• "What's Happening in Court?": A coloring activity book for young people going to court in Washington State.