PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT
John Adams Courthouse
One Pemberton Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02108

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT: 

Jennifer Donahue/Erika Gully-Santiago

Jennifer.Donahue@jud.state.ma.us
617-557-1114                                                 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2019

Chief Justices to Host Listening Session About Justice System at Roxbury Community College

WHAT:         

On Tuesday, December 3, the Massachusetts Judiciary, including Appeals Court Chief Justice Mark V. Green and Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey, will host a listening session at Roxbury Community College to hear from the public about ways that the justice system could be improved and the experiences of diverse communities when they go to Massachusetts courts. The listening session is open to the public and press.

The listening session was organized in recognition of the 400-year anniversary of when the first documented African people were enslaved in the United States in 1619.

The listening session will include judges from across the Commonwealth, attorneys, and community organizations. Superior Court Judge Angel Kelley, and John Laing, Chief Experience and Diversity Officer for the Trial Court, will moderate the discussion. Members of the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions, provide comments, and make suggestions.

The conversation will begin with the following questions:

·     What is a fair and just criminal justice system?

·     When a crime is committed, what is “justice for all”?

·     How can the courts ensure everyone is treated with fairness, respect and dignity?

·     What do judges need to understand about communities of color and the impact of the court process on those communities?

“It is through this type of engagement and open forum between the public and the Massachusetts judiciary that we hope further conveys our commitment to justice for all, particularly for a community that has been treated unjustly through the course of our nation’s history,” said Superior Court Judge Angel Kelley. “Through this type of work, together we can build a stronger and healthier dialogue with communities about the administration of justice. The Massachusetts Trial Court strives daily to ensure that the experiences of all who pass through the Courthouse doors are treated fairly with respect and dignity, and that all community members are valued.”

WHEN:         

Tuesday, December 3, 2019
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:  

Roxbury Community College (bldg. 3), 1234 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA 02120

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