A Field Guide To Judicial Organizations
QUICK REFERENCE TO STATE AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES
88 Kearny Street, Suite 1850
San Francisco, CA 94108-5523
Main Number: (415)263-4600 / Fax: (415) 263-4605
Hot Lines (Ethics, Discipline, Response to Criticism, & Media): (415) 263-4600
Judicial Support (24 hr. confidential counseling): (800) 528-6011
California Advocates, Inc., Sacramento: (916) 441-5050
The California Judges Association is a professional association of California trial and appellate judges and commissioners. CJA is a private, voluntary, not-for-profit association funded by membership dues. A 25-member Executive Board is elected by the membership. Officers are elected by the Executive Board. Programs include continuing education, legislative advocacy, interpretation of the Code of Judicial Ethics, and a Response to Criticism service for judges. CJA publishes The Bench, The Voice of the Judiciary, and professional handbooks on judicial conduct, elections, and retirement. CJA administers group plans for long-term care, disability, vision and term life insurance and sponsors the Rural Judges Forum and Juvenile Court Judges of California.
Judicial Council of California/AOC
Main Number: (415) 865-4200
Public Information Officer: (415) 865-7726
Court Program Services: (415) 865-7530
CJER: (415) 865- 7745
Judges Retirement System
Main Number: (916) 795-3688
Fax: (916) 795-1500
Commission on Judicial Performance: (415) 557-1200
Fair Political Practices Commission (Support): (866) 275-3772
Governor's Judicial Appointments Secretary: (916) 324-7039
Attorney-General's Office: (916) 445-9555
State Bar of California: (415) 538-2000
The Other Bar: (800) 222-0767
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ORGANIZATIONS
The judiciary in California is supported by an array of government and private organizations on both the state and national levels. This guide is prepared by the California Judges Association to help users find their way and make good use of these resources.
Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
(415) 865-4200
William C. Vickrey, Director
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courtadmin/aoc/
Staff agency for the Judicial Council. It provides services in the areas of legal, legislative liaison, judicial assignments, statistics, court consultant services, and public information administers the Appellate Courts. Funded under the judicial budget. Publishes Court News an annual report on the activities of the courts.
Judicial Council of California
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102-3660
(415) 865-4200
Chief Justice Ronald M. George, Chairman
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courtadmin/jc/
Established by the constitution in 1926 to operate the state court systems, to administer the appellate courts, and make rules for court administration, practice and procedure.
The Judicial Council is composed of 21 members: the Chief Justice; 14 judges appointed by the Chief Justice (1 associate justice of the Supreme Court, 3 justices of the Courts of Appeal, and 10 trial court judges); 4 attorney members appointed by the State Bar Board of Governors; and 1 member from each house of the Legislature. Six advisory members include representatives of the California Judges Association and state court administrative agencies.
The Council has 12 standing advisory committees, 8 ad hoc advisory committees, holds court management workshops and administers CJER.
Commission on Judicial Appointments
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-3660
(415) 865-4200
Staffed by the Judicial Council, the sole function of the Commission is to consider whether to confirm the Governor's nominations and appointments to the Supreme and appellate courts. The Commission consists of the Chief Justice, Attorney General and presiding justice of the Court of Appeal of the affected district.
Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER)
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7745 / Fax: (415) 865-4335
Diane Cowdrey, Director
Part of the Education Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts which is responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive and quality education program on behalf of the Judicial Council for the California judicial branch. See also JAIC below.
The CJER Governing Committee, an Advisory Committee of the Judicial Council appointed by the Chief Justice, is composed of eight judges (four recommended by the California Judges Association), three court administrators, and three liaison members, including the CJA President.
The Center publishes judges' benchbooks and other reference works, maintains a complete list of published and unpublished judicial materials and lends video/audio tape of its programs. CJER administers the B.E. Witkin Judicial College of California and regular orientation programs for new judges, and maintains a year-round program of continuing education for the judiciary. Through its ten annual institutes, the Center focuses on changing legislation and high interest topics for both trial and appellate courts.
Judicial Administration Institute of California (JAIC)
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7745 / Fax: (415) 865-4335
Diane Cowdrey, Director
The JAIC Committee was established with SJI funds in October, 1993, continued with State funding, and now serves as a planning committee on all judicial branch staff training to the CJER Governing Committee and the AOC's Education Division.
The JAIC Planning Committee consists of twelve members, including judges, court administrators, and other court staff. The committee is appointed by the CJER Governing Committee.
The goal of JAIC is to develop and provide a comprehensive, coordinated program of judicial branch staff training in the area of management and administration. Curricula will be developed for judges in their administrative capacity, court administrator and other senior executives, mid-level managers, and support staff.
Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP)
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14400
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-1200 / Fax: (415) 557-1266
Victoria B. Henley, Director and Chief Counsel
Hon. Judith D. McConnell, Chair
Hon. Katherine Feinstein, Vice Chair
www.cjp.ca.gov
A constitutional commission charged with investigation of complaints against judges and discipline of active and retired judges. Available sanctions: private and public admonishments, censure, removal and involuntary retirement. The Commission also reviews applications for voluntary disability retirement.
The Commission consists of one justice of a court of appeal and two trial court judges, all appointed by the Supreme Court; 2 members of the bar appointed by the Governor; and 6 non-attorney citizens, 2 each appointed by the Governor, the Assembly Speaker and Chair of Senate Rules.
California Judges Association (CJA)
88 Kearny Street, Suite 1850
San Francisco, CA 94108-5523
(415) 263-4600 / Fax: (415) 263-4605
www.caljudges.org (password required)
Hon. Michael Vicencia, President
Stanley S. Bissey, Executive Director
The California Judges Association is a professional association of California trial and appellate judges and commissioners. CJA is a private, voluntary, not-for-profit association funded by membership dues. A 25-member Executive Board is elected by the membership. Officers are elected by the Executive Board.
Programs include continuing education, legislative advocacy, interpretation of the Code of Judicial Ethics, and a Response to Criticism service for judges. CJA publishes The Bench, The Voice of the Judiciary, and professional handbooks on judicial conduct, elections, and retirement. CJA administers group plans for long-term care, disability, vision and term life insurance and sponsors the Rural Judges Forum and Juvenile Court Judges of California.
California Judges Foundation
88 Kearny Street, Suite 1850
San Francisco, CA 94108-5523
(415) 263-4600 / Fax: (415) 263-4605
Hon. Dan Thomas Oki, President
A non-profit, tax-exempt corporation to aid the educational and charitable activities of the California Judges Association. It is funded by membership dues, contributions and grants. The Foundation's 9-member Board of Directors is elected from the CJA membership, and staffed by the California Judges Association. Contributions to CJF are tax-exempt.
Juvenile Court Judges of California (JCJC)
88 Kearny Street, Suite 1850
San Francisco, CA 94108-5523
(415) 263-4600 / Fax: (415) 263-4605
Hon. Susan D. Huguenor, President
Organized as a section of CJA to educate and support judges assigned to Juvenile Court. Monitors legislation, and promotes cooperation with agencies serving children.
Cow County Judges Association
c/o Glenn County Superior Court
526 West Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988-2746
(530) 934-6446
www.glenncourt.ca.gov
An unincorporated association to enable judges of the smaller counties to meet together to discuss, and jointly solve, special concerns of rural courts. Membership consists of superior court judges from one- to four-judge counties. The Association holds an educational institute and annual meeting each May organized by CJER, and holds a business meeting in conjunction with the annual meeting of the California Judges Association.
African American Judges Association
c/o Los Angeles Superior Court
210 W. Temple Street, D634/Div. 34
Los Angeles, CA 90012-3210
(213) 974-6045 / Fax: (213) 680-9932
Hon. Patricia J. Titus, Convener
PTitus@LASuperiorCourt.org
An informal section of CJA that addresses issues of particular interest to African American judges. Meets at CJA mid-year and annual meetings.
Asian American Judges Association
c/o San Francisco Superior Court
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-4512
Hon. Lillian K. Sing, President
Informal organization which addresses issues of particular interest to Asian American judges. Meets at CJA annual meeting.
Latino Judges Association
c/o San Diego Superior Court
P.O. Box 122724
San Diego, CA 92112-2724
(619) 691-4425
Hon. Esteban Hernandez, President
esteban.hernandez@sdcourt.ca.gov
Informal organization which addresses issues of interest to Latino judges. Meets at CJA annual meeting.
Rural Judges Forum
c/o
Mariposa Superior Court
P.O. Box 28
Mariposa, CA 95338-0028
Hon. Dana Walton, Chair
The Rural Judges Forum is a CJA committee formed to encourage communication among judges in smaller counties and provide a forum on issues affecting rural judges. A retreat is held annually.
Nevada/California Division - National Women Judges Association
c/o Alameda County Superior Court
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Hon. Cecilia Castellanos, CA/NV District Director
The National Association of Women Judges strives to provide strong, committed judicial leadership to ensure fairness and gender equality in American courts.
They meet in conjunction with CJA, CJER and CAWJ meetings & co-sponsor an annual dinner meeting with California Women Lawyers. The president, elected by the membership for a two-year term, sends periodic newsletters in addition to NAWJ materials. Membership is open to judges, commissioners, referees, and administrative law judges.
California Court Commissioners Association
c/o Sacramento Superior Court
301 Bicentennial Circle
Sacramento, CA 95826-2700
(916) 875-7799
Comm. Robert Kawahara, President
Email: RKawahara@lasuperiorcourt.org
The purpose of the Association is to further the interests of court commissioners and referees and suggest methods to improve the courts.
The CCCA's Board of Directors consists of 18 directors and 3 officers elected from 6 districts. In September 1987, the California Judges Association accepted commissioners as members of CJA.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Bar Association (ABA)
Judicial Division
321 N. CLark Street
Mail Stop 19.1
Chicago, IL 60654-7598
(800)238-2667 x5705
www.abanet.org/jd/home.html
Aimee Skrzekut Torres, Director
Hon. Barbara M. G. Lynn, Chair
The Division consists of six conferences, including the Appellate Judges Conference, National Conference of Special Court Judges and National Conference of State Trial Judges. Each conference has its own budget, by-laws, executive committee and membership, and its own publications and seminars.
American Judges Association
300 Newport Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147
Phone: (757) 259-1841
Fax: (757) 259-1520
www.aja.ncsc.dni.us
Hon. Tam Schumann, President
The AJA was established in 1959 to promote and improve the administration of justice, maintain the independence of the judiciary, and provide continuing education. AJA produces a quarterly journal, newsletter, and holds an annual educational conference.
American Judicature Society (AJS)
The Opperman Center at Drake University
2700 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4121
Phone: (515) 271-2281
Toll Free: (800) 626-4089
Fax: (515) 279-3090
www.ajs.org
Hon. Gordon L. Doerfer, President & Director
An organization of judges, lawyers, and citizens who seek to promote the administration of justice through judicial independence, ethics, judicail selection, juries, and public understanding of the court system. AJS publishes a bimonthly journal, Judicature, and other literature, holds conferences, and maintains an information and consultation service.
Center for Judicial Ethics
3304 N. Broadway Ave., #190
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-6005 ext. 123
Cynthia Gray, Director
AJS operates the Center for Judicial Conduct Organization which is the support and research organization for state judicial disciplinary agencies.
Conference of Chief Justices
http://ccj.ncsc.dni.us/
The Conference of Chief Justices mission is to improve the administration of justice in the states, commonwealths and territories of the United States through developing, exchanging, and disseminating information and knowledge of value to state judicial systems; educating, training and developing leaders to become effective managers of state judicial systems; promoting the vitality, independence and effectivenes of state judicial systems; developing and advancing policies in support of common interests and shared values of state judicial systmes; and supporting adequate funding and resources for the operations of the state courts.
International Association of Lesbian & Gay Judges
President: Hon. J. Gary Cohen
Vice President: Arlene Bluth
Provincial Court of British Columbia
14340 57th Avenue
Surrey, BC V3X1B2
Canada
http://home.att.net/~ialgj/
National Center for State Courts
300 Newport Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147
Phone: (800) 616-6164
Fax: (757) 564-2022
www.ncsconline.org
Mary C. McQueen, President
NCSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to modernizing court operations and improving the administration of justice at the state and local level throughout the country. The National Center acts as a focal point for state judicial reform, serves as a catalyst for setting and implementing standards of fair and expeditious judicial administration, and finds & disseminates answers to state judicial system problems.
National College of Probate Judges
c/o Ridgefield Probate District Court, Town Hall
400 Main Street
Ridgefield, Connecticutt 06877
(203) 431-2776
www.ncpj.org
Hon. Joseph A. Egan, Jr., President
The National College of Probate Judges was organized in 1968 to improve the administration of justice in courts with probate jurisdiction. The College was established in response to public concern with the time and costs involved in state administration. It is the only national organization exclusively dedicated to improving probate law and probate courts.
National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws
111 N. Wabash Ave, Ste 1010
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 450-6600
www.nccusl.org
The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) is now in its 109th year. The organization is comprised of more than 300 lawyers, judges, and law professors, appointed by the states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to draft proposals for uniform and model laws and work toward their enactment in legislatures. Since its inception in 1892, the group has promulgated more than 200 acts, among them such bulwarks of state statutory law as the Uniform Commercial Code, the Uniform Probate Code, and the Uniform Partnership Act.
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
1041 N. Virginia Street
P.O. Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
(775) 784-6012
Mary V. Mentaberry, Executive Director & CEO
Hon. Patricia A. Macias, President
http://www.ncjfcj.org/
The Council is a membership organization which includes in its membership juvenile and family court judges, court staff, police officials, and attorneys. Its purposes are to improve the standards in the nation's juvenile and family courts; to provide training and technical assistance to persons in the field; and to publish educational materials.
The National Judicial College
Judicial College Building/MS 358
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
(800) 25-JUDGE or (775) 784-6747
Hon. William Dressel, President
Saul A. Wolfe, Esq., Chair
http://www.judges.org/
The NJC offers courses on a wide range of substantive and procedural topics for judges from the U.S. and abroad. Programs offered at the NJC have been shaped by more than four decades of innovation in judicial education and are designed to give participants the practical tools needed to serve effectively on the bench.
The State Justice Institute (SJI)
1650 King Street, Suite 600
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-6100
Janice Munsterman, Executive Director
http://www.sji.gov
SJI is a private, nonprofit corporation established in 1984 by an Act of Congress to provide financial support to projects designed to improve the administration of justice in the State courts. The eleven member board of Directors appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, includes six judges.
National Association of Women Judges
1341 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 4.2
Washington, D.C. 20036-1834
(202) 393-0222 / Fax: (202) 393-0125
http://www.nawj.org/
Hon. Fernande R.V. Duffly, President
Drucilla Stender Ramey, Executive Director
Established in 1979 to consider legal, educational, social, and ethical problems encountered by women and to increase the number of women judges. It publishes Counterbalance, holds an annual four-day conference, is an ABA affiliate, and enjoys United Nations non-governmental organization status.
United States Department of State
Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Consular Affairs L/CA
Room 5527A
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
(202) 647-4415 Fax: (202) 736-7559
For urgent telephone inquiries after normal business hours, you may call the State Department Operations Center at (202) 647-1512.
Instructions for State and Local Law Enforcement and Other Officials Regarding Foreign Nationals in the United States and the Rights of Consular Officials To Assist Them: Vienna Convention Compliance Booklet.
International Judicial Assistance, Notarial Services and Authentication of Documents
http://travel.state.gov/law/info/judicial/judicial_702.html
