The Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission
for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness
Via press release on February 2, 2024, the Interbranch Commission applauded the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee for conducting a hearing the day prior on critical jury service issues. The Continue ReadingPress Release: PA House Judiciary Committee Conducts Hearing on Critical Jury Service Issues
On January 25, 2024, the Commission published its annual newsletter, reflecting on the work it has conducted through its six Committees over the past year and looking ahead to the Continue ReadingCommission Publishes 2023-24 Newsletter
The Interbranch Commission joins the Pennsylvania legal community in congratulating Allegheny County President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark on her well-deserved retirement. The first African-American President Judge of the Allegheny County Continue ReadingCommission Commends Allegheny County President Judge Clark on Distinguished Career in Public Service
Via press release on December 20, 2023, the Commission celebrated the recent enactment of Act 34 (2023), which establishes a first-of-its-kind allotment of $7.5 million for the funding of indigent Continue ReadingPress Release: Commission Celebrates Enactment of Legislation Providing First-of-its-Kind Funding for Indigent Defense Reform
On December 11, 2023, the Commission submitted to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Health Committee its letter in support of House Bill (“HB”) 575. HB 575 would prohibit mental health Continue ReadingCommission Supports Legislation to Protect Minors in PA from Conversion Therapy
On Thursday, December 7, 2023, Commission members convened virtually to review and discuss the existing initiatives of each of the Commission’s six Committees, year-end projects, the current composition of the Continue ReadingCommission Conducts Quarterly Meeting of its Full Membership
On September 15, 2023, the Commission submitted to Pennsylvania Senate leaders letters in support of three bills designed to better protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. In its Continue ReadingCommission Submits Letters to Legislature in Support of Bills Designed to Protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians
On September 12, 2023, the Commission submitted a second round of comments in support of the PA Supreme Court’s revised proposal to amend PA Rule of Criminal Procedure 632 by Continue ReadingCommission Submits Second Round of Comments to Court in Support of Proposal to Expand and Permit the Collection of Juror Demographic Data Categories
On September 7, 2023, the Commission submitted formal comments to the PA Supreme Court Criminal Procedural Rules Committee, in response to its publication of revised proposed amendments to existing state Continue ReadingCommission Submits Second Round of Comments on Court’s Revised Proposal to Amend PA Criminal Procedural Rules Governing the Appointment of Counsel, Purpose of Bail, and Others
On August 31, 2023, the Commission issued a press release, celebrating the decision of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse the Eastern District Court’s ruling striking down PA Continue ReadingCommission Issues Press Release Celebrating Third Circuit Court of Appeals’ Ruling re PA Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g)