California Judicial Council Public Hearing - Thursday April 14, 2005

April 13, 2005

By Judicial Council of California (View author info)

More than 20 experts and citizens from across California will testify on court security and access to court services at a public hearing

Date: Thursday April 14, 2005

Time: 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Place: Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, Judicial Council Conference Center, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Third Floor, San Francisco.

Chief Justice Ronald M. George will preside over the hearing, which gives members of the public an opportunity to discuss their firsthand experiences with access to the courts. The hearing is being sponsored by the Judicial Council of California, the policy-making body of state courts.

Witnesses will include:

* The mother of a murder victim who faced intimidation in court from gang members;
* A sheriff who will display weapons that security officers confiscated from Los Angeles courts;
* Persons with physical disabilities who have faced difficulties gaining entry to courthouses; and
* Leaders of community groups who will discuss their clients' urgent need for legal services.

Due to the short time available, testimony will be limited to those already scheduled to speak.

The hearing will be audiocast live on the California Courts Web site.

The speakers' list is attached.