‘Access to Justice’ Discussed by Appellate Court Justice
Third District Court (Sacramento) Appellate Justice Ronald B. Robie spoke on barriers to “Access to Justice” at the Holbrooke Hotel last month, accompanied by five Associate Justices including former Nevada County Judge M. Kathleen Butz.
Appellate Justices
Justice Robie addressed attorneys and guests of the Nevada County Bar Association and Lawyer Referral Service .
The Justice discussed how State Court budget cuts have reduced funds for translators, creating language barriers for judges. A lack of funds for court reporters means that appeals cannot be adequately prepared. Another critical unmet need is the lack of attorney representation to enforce basic civil rights such as child custody and housing.
The California Commission on Access to Justice, chaired by Justice Robie, involves lawyers and judges, as well as academic, business, labor and community leaders, to improve access to civil justice for Californians living on low and moderate incomes. The Commission was instrumental in establishing the $10 million Equal Access Fund for civil legal services to the indigent and works closely with the Judicial Council to improve access to the courts.
Justice Ronald B. Robie with Jennifer Wilkerson, Attorney at Law
Members of the Nevada County Bar Association and Northern California Lawyer Referral Service support these efforts locally and were honored to host six of our Appellate Justices in our community.