Washington Courts: News and Information

Supreme Court symposium May 25 examines impact of pre-trial practices on justice

May 23, 2016

OLYMPIA, Wash. — State Supreme Court justices on May 25 will hear from state and national experts about the impact of pre-trial processes — such as risk assessments, bail practices and assigning counsel — on different populations of accused persons and on mass incarceration.

 

The symposium, “Pre-Trial Justice: Reducing the Rate of Incarceration,” is presented by the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission. It is the third in a series of annual symposiums by the Commission examining critical elements of the justice system that are the focus of new research and/or calls for reform.

 

The presentation is open to the public and is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 at the Temple of Justice on the Capitol Campus, 415 12th Ave. SW, Olympia, 98504. The symposium will also be webcast live by TVW, and will also be available for viewing later.

 

“We know that mass incarceration continues to be a problem and so this year the Symposium is exploring the place where the judicial process first begins,” said Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu, co-chair of the Minority and Justice Commission.

 

“We will examine pre-trial practices, hear about some of the positive steps underway around the state, and hopefully promote best practices that favor pre-trial release, which do not jeopardize public safety,” she said. “I find it invigorating and inspirational to bring together stakeholders in the criminal justice system for an honest dialogue about tough issues.”

 

Pre-trial practices are gaining national attention as data show they have a significant impact on pre-trial incarceration and on trial outcomes, and that some racial minorities are affected at a much higher rate than other population groups.

 

The symposium will hear from national experts, will examine innovative programs in Yakima and Spokane, and hear from panelists on consequences of unjust pre-trial practices. For more information, visit the Minority and Justice Commission web page.

 

“It is important that we continue to research and examine the many moving elements that make up our justice system to ensure it is providing equal, accessible justice for all persons,” said Washington Supreme Court Justice Charles Johnson, co-chair of the Minority and Justice Commission. “The Commission is committed to bringing that information to the public and judicial branch leaders so we can continually improve upon our justice system, helping it meet its mandate of excellence and equality for all.”

 

The Washington State Minority and Justice Commission was established by the state Supreme Court in 1990 to determine whether racial and ethnic bias exists in the courts of Washington and to take creative steps to overcome and prevent them. The Commission grew out of a task force established in 1988 at the urging of state legislators.

 

CONTACT: Cynthia Delostrinos, Administrative Manager for the Supreme Court Commissions, (360) 705-5327, Cynthia.Delostrinos@courts.wa.gov

 

 

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