The Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission
for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness
In November 2021, the Commission distributed to Pennsylvania’s federal district courts and state court administrators electronic and hard copies of its informational pamphlets on jury service. These pamphlets were produced Continue ReadingCommission Distributes Jury Service Pamphlet for LEP Individuals to PA’s Federal, State Courts
On October 19, 2021, the Commission distributed to bar associations, President Judges, and advocacy organizations its annual one-page summary of Pennsylvania attorney demographic data. The data is collected and reported Continue ReadingCommission Distributes Annual One-Page Summary of PA Attorney Demographics
On October 11, 2021, Staff Attorney Brendan Bertig’s article, entitled “Pushing Forward: The Need for State-Based Protections Post-Bostock,” was published in Houston’s Legacy, the quarterly publication of the Pennsylvania Bar Continue ReadingPBA Publishes Staff Attorney Bertig’s Article re LGBTQ Rights in PA
On September 29, 2021, the Commission submitted to Pennsylvania House and Senate committee chairs its letter in support of legislation that would expand non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians in the Continue ReadingCommission Submits Letters in Support of Bills Expanding Non-Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ Individuals
The Commission was pleased to learn that on August 11, 2021, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania adopted Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 413, which substantially limits the admissibility of one’s immigration Continue ReadingCourt Adopts Pa.R.E. 413, Initially Proposed by Commission
The Commission submitted formal comments to the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Administrative Law Sub-Committee, opposing the use of risk assessment tools in Allegheny County because of their minimal impact on Continue ReadingCommission Submits Comments to ACBA re Local Court Rules re Bail, Probation & Incarceration
The Commission was pleased to learn that on July 26, 2021, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania approved an amendment to Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g), which will prohibit attorneys from Continue ReadingCourt Adopts Amended Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g)
On July 8, 2021, the Commission submitted to the AOPC its formal comments on the proposed amendments to Act 172’s interpreter regulations and compensation schedules. The Commission’s comments supported strengthening Continue ReadingCommission Submits Comments on Proposed Amendments to PA Interpreter Regs & Compensation Schedules
Executive Director Lisette McCormick participated in a Juneteenth service project on June 25th and 26th, partnering with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Steelers OT Zach Continue ReadingCommission’s E.D. Participates in Juneteenth Service Project
On June 10, 2021, Commission members convened remotely to review the initiatives of each of the Commission’s six Committees and discuss new business.