IN RE: POLICY REGARDING                   )             ORDER

FAIRNESS AND EQUALITY IN THE        )          

COURTS                                                        )          

____________________________________)

 

         The Court, having considered recommendations from its Fairness and Equality Committee, adopts the following principles of Fairness and Equality in Idaho Courts: 

 

The Idaho Supreme Court is committed to providing equal access to justice, promoting excellence in service, and increasing the public’s trust and confidence in the Idaho courts.

 

Access to a neutral and unbiased court is essential to the administration of justice, and is guaranteed to every person under the constitutions of the United States and the State of Idaho.

 

The highest level of vigilance is required by all judges and all officers of the court, including lawyers and court personnel, to identify, eliminate, and continually prevent bias or discriminatory treatment.

 

As the visible leaders of the courts, judges and court administrators play a key role in eliminating bias and discriminatory treatment from within the judicial system.

 

Equal employment opportunity within the courts is essential.  Court administrators must therefore employ non-discriminatory practices in hiring, promotion and salary considerations, and shall also continuously seek to avoid any other discriminatory interference in the workplace.

 

Fairness and equality in the Idaho courts require vigilance.

 

 

DATED this __15th__ day of June, 2006.

By Order of the Supreme Court

 

______________/s/____________________

Gerald F. Schroeder, Chief Justice

 

ATTEST:  ________/s/______________

                  Stephen W. Kenyon, Clerk