Chief Justice Ronald M. George has announced the formation of a committee of judges, lawyers and journalists–including CFAC’s executive director, Peter Scheer–to promote improved relations among the courts, the Bar and the media. Here is a press release from the Judicial Council:
Chief Justice George Names
Bench Bar Media Steering Committee
San Francisco—Chief Justice Ronald M. George today announced the appointment of the Judicial Council’s Bench Bar Media Steering Committee, a panel that will help foster improved understanding and working relationships among California judges, lawyers, and journalists who cover legal issues and the courts.
“By working together, the bench, bar, and news media can improve our understanding of each other’s functions and develop practices in areas of common concern that will improve the operation of the legal system and promote greater public understanding of the courts, “ said Chief Justice George.
The Steering Committee is charged with recommending areas of responsibility and study for a larger Bench Bar Media Committee, to be appointed later this year.
The 14-member steering committee is chaired by California Supreme Court Justice Carlos R. Moreno. Members include judges, attorneys, and news media representatives. The other members are as follows:
Mr. Ralph Alldredge
Secretary/Treasurer of California Newspaper Publishers Association
Publisher, Calaveras Enterprise
San Andreas
Ms. Cristina C. Arguedas
Attorney at Law
Arguedas, Cassman, and Headley LLP
Berkeley
Hon. Steve Cooley
District Attorney
District Attorney’s Office
County of Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Hon. Peter Paul Espinoza
Assistant Supervising Judge of the
Superior Court of California,
County of Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Mr. Rex S. Heinke
Attorney at Law
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP
Los Angeles
Hon. Jamie A. Jacobs-May
Assistant Presiding Judge of the
Superior Court of California,
County of Santa Clara
San Jose
Hon. Judith D. McConnell
Administrative Presiding Justice of the
Court of Appeal
Fourth Appellate District
San Diego
Hon. William J. Murray, Jr.
Presiding Judge of the
Superior Court of California,
County of San Joaquin
Stockton
Mr. John Raess
Bureau Chief
Associated Press
San Francisco
Ms. Kelli Sager
Partner
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Los Angeles
Mr. Peter Scheer
Director of the
California First Amendment Coalition
San Rafael
Mr. Stan Statham
President of the
California Broadcasters Association
Sacramento
Mr. William C. Vickrey
Administrative Director of the Courts
Administrative Office of the Courts
San Francisco
The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Under the leadership of the Chief Justice and in accordance with the California Constitution, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. The Administrative Office of the Courts carries out the official actions of the council and promotes leadership and excellence in court administration.