Are transparency, accountability, independence and ethics essential to an effective Federal Judiciary and Supreme Court? Should ALL court hearings (including the Supreme Court) be open to the public? Should a judge's reasons to recuse or not recuse be made available to the public?
If you had enough civics education to answer and have an opinion about these questions then you are qualified to participate in the LWVUS Federal Judiciary Study Consensus meeting on Saturday April 5 at 10:00 a.m. to noon via zoom. Sign up here.
For the first time ever, the LWVWA will hold a statewide consensus meeting via zoom.
Only LWV members may participate in this meeting. Attendees are encouraged to read the policy briefs and the consensus questions and be prepared to discuss each issue. If you don’t feel prepared to discuss some of the questions you may sit some out.
Depending upon the number of registrants, we may break into smaller groups and divide up issues, then reconvening in a larger group. The consensus questions are available here. I recommend that you start with the questions and then start reading position papers, as you have time.
The LWVUS Study consists of 9 nine short policy briefs (many are 1-2 pages long) on various subjects, and an index of key terms to be familiar with. Here are links to the policy briefs:
Additional background information from the Study Committee includes: Understanding Federal Courts; US Code of Conduct for US Judges and Congressional Research Service Paper The Supreme Court Adopts a Code of Conduct.
Also, and in case you missed it, LWVUS hosted a 90-minute “Town Hall” that was recorded and is on the website. A Study Guide outlines the consensus process.
Please spread the word throughout your leagues. For any questions or for more information, contact Shelley Kneip at skneip@lwvwa.org or Eileen McCracken at Eileen.McCracken@comcast.net.
