GENERAL RULE 3: ACCESS AND FAIRNESS

• A. SANTA CLARA COUNTY COURT PROCEDURE
• B. LOCAL COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

A. SANTA CLARA COUNTY COURT PROCEDURE

The Santa Clara County Superior Court is committed to ensuring that courtroom proceedings are conducted in a manner that is fair and impartial to all of the participants. Any complaints about bias or the appearance of bias, including but not limited to bias based on disability, gender identity, age, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, whether that bias is directed toward counsel, court personnel, witnesses, parties, jurors, or any other participants, may be directed to the presiding judge, the court executive or the sitting judge.

(Eff. 1/01/04)

B. LOCAL COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

The Santa Clara County Superior Court and the Santa Clara County Bar Association  have established a procedure to assist in maintaining a courtroom environment free of bias or the appearance of bias. This procedure is fully set forth in the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s “Fairness and Equality in the Courts Procedure.” Any complaints concerning conduct that exhibits bias on the part of attorneys, litigants, judges and courtroom personnel arising within the physical confines of the courthouse and courtroom over which a presiding judge and/or a sitting judge has authority or influence may be made to the Executive Director or Officer of the Santa Clara County Bar Association or one of the four liaisons who are appointed by the Santa Clara County Bar Association to handle these complaints.

(Eff. 1/01/04)  

General Rules: Summary - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5