"It is our hope that this guide will help ensure that all who interact with the justice system are treated with the respect and dignity to which they are entitled, regardless of their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or religion."

Unified Judicial System Policy on Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity. Drafted by our Interbranch Commission, the policy specifically proscribes this type of behavior, and provides a process for discipline and remedial action regarding such conduct by the Unified Judicial System’s personnel, related staff and court users in the courthouse.

In addition to the new policy and procedures, the Commission also produced this guide to provide simple guidelines for all participants in the justice system as a means of encouraging fair treatment. The guide first lists the pertinent findings from the study by our Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Gender Bias. The guide then outlines the responsibilities of judges, court staff, attorneys and litigants in eliminating bias in the courtroom and exhibiting respectful and fair conduct within a courtroom environment. Tips on institutionalizing fairness within the justice system, as well as actual court or disciplinary cases involving biased conduct, are listed toward the end of the guide.

It is our hope that this guide will help ensure that all who interact with the justice system, employees, attorneys, judges, or users of the system, are treated with the respect to which they are entitled, regardless of their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or religion.

Very truly yours,

Ronald D. Costillo

Ronald D. Castille

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania