For Immediate Release:
September 18, 2014
Contact: Kathleen Russell
Scores of People to Protest Judicial Corruption with ‘Wall of Shame’
Tomorrow’s Statewide Rally at California Judicial Council Launches
“Year of Action to Stop Court Crimes”
**PHOTO OPPORTUNITY**
SAN FRANCISCO – Scores of attorneys, court employees, litigants and court reform advocates from as far away as Los Angeles and Shasta County are planning to gather outside of the California Judicial Council headquarters in downtown San Francisco on Friday to protest the shocking lack of over25ight of the California Judicial Branch, or what organizers are calling the “Broken Branch” of California government. The main rally runs from 12n – 1pm, but protest activities are planned from 11am – 3pm at 350 McAllister Street.
“Our judiciary is truly broken when litigants are routinely denied their right to a court reporter to document their hearings. The fact that court reporters were present at only 17% (or 194) of 1,126 family law hearings in a recent Sacramento survey is reason enough to sound the alarms,” said Oakland attorney Kim M. Robinson.
Organizers argue that Californians are being denied lawyers, court reporters and effective relief from biased judges and corrupt branch officials. They say that court officials are ignoring the laws made by legislators to protect the public, and that the Governor and Attorney General have claimed they lack any authority to address complaints about the Judicial Branch. Those who complain about this broken system allegedly suffer retaliation.
Ms. Robinson will be joined by attorneys and advocates from across the state to speak out against the eroding judicial system that is causing widespread harm to millions of Californians in family law, probate, juvenile, traffic, criminal and civil courtrooms. Protesters were invited to bring personal photos and/or brief stories about their court ordeals to share on a Judicial “Wall of Shame” that is being creating to document the atrocities that Californians are facing in court. An open mic session later in the day will enable the public to share spoken testimony as well.
The Center for Judicial Excellence, a citizen watchdog and good government group focused on creating transparency and accountability in the judicial branch, has partnered with the California Protective Parents Association to organize this statewide protest that will kick off their 2015 Year of Action to Stop Court Crimes.
Protest Agenda
11am – 12n Gather, Assemble Wall of Shame
12n – 1pm Main Protest Rally
1pm – 2pm Direct Action & March
2pm – 3pm Open Mic Testimony
For a full list of protest speakers and more details, please visit https://centerforjudicialexcellence.org.
###
