Judges create group to advocate for more just and united judicial system

Several groups of judges came together to form the California Affinity Judicial Association Coalition to advocate for more equality in the judicial system.

The judges from state trial and appellate courts throughout California agreed "to work together as one to advocate for a more just and united judicial system."

"We understand that we need a judicial system where equal protection under the law means what it says in all cases; where the color of your skin, who you love or your economic circumstances don't lead to different outcomes," read a statement Tuesday announcing the coalition.

The leaders behind the statement were Judge Laura Walton, president of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers; Judge Monica F. Wiley, chair of the California Association of Black Lawyers, Judicial Council; Judge Elizabeth G. Macias, president of the California Latino Judges Association and Justice Therese M. Stewart and Judge Joshua Wayser, co-presidents of LGBT Judges of California.

"We decided it would be helpful to give a title to the association between us and to issue a statement that really expresses our commitment to diversity across the board and to addressing those aspects of the justice system that may not be fair or may not deal adequately with issues involving race or sexual orientation or so forth," Stewart said.

Some of the coalition's recent work, prior to formalizing under one name, include advocating for the appointment of diverse people to the bench and organizing cross-group educational events, where issues surrounding race and sexual orientation are discussed.

"The Legislature is the primary entity that sets the policy of the state, but that doesn't mean there is nothing that the judicial branch can do to improve. It's limited, but we're about exploring that," Stewart said.

-- Kamila Knaudt